Pembroke take on title rivals

THE LEAGUE champions, Pembroke, and Three Rock Rovers, who meet tomorrow, will want to make the most of Avoca's slip up mid-week against an ever-improving Monkstown.

While Avoca struggle to find real consistency, Pembroke, coached by former Avoca and Irish captain Johnathan Cole, will be anxious to add to their points with a win over the side who are now probably their greatest rivals for the championship.

Despite the fact that goalkeeper Nigel Henderson is in Kuala Lumpur with the Irish side, former Rover's goalkeeper Jason O'Brien will provide strong cover for the team that is also contesting a place in the Irish Senior Cup final next month, when they meet Railway Union.

There is, however, serious doubt hanging over the fitness of Rover's striker Liam Canning, who took a nasty knock on the side of the face some weeks ago and fractured a bone.

Irish utility player Robin Madeley may also be out of the game if a calf injury does not clear up. The unavailability of two of their stronger players could not have come at a more inappropriate time for the visitors, who had hoped to maintain a serious challenge.

A Pembroke win would put them in a very healthy position to hold onto their title. But Pembroke are also a side that can suffer from inconsistency, despite a strong midfield selection of Devon Donnelly, Paudie Carley, Turlough O'Siochain and Andy Cooke. With Simon Kershaw and Stephen Stewart operating as the front runners, Rover's will have to provide some discipline if they are to come away from Serpentine Avenue with anything.