IT WOULD take a strange combination of results to land Shamrock Rovers back in trouble, but Pat Byrne admits that he'd feel a good deal better about the whole situation if they could pick up the single point against UCD at Tolka Park tonight (7.45) that would leave Dundalk needing to score quite a few goals in their two remaining outings.
Their opponents have only pride left to play for their survival is already assured, but a place in Europe is out of the question. However, Byrne remains cautious about the game, commenting that "if you were up against UCD in a five aside, it would be competitive".
Over the last few weeks Rovers, have made their position considerably more secure by taking eight points out of 12 from four away matches. Their cause is boosted this evening by the fact that, with the exception of Paul Whelan whose cruciate ligament problem will keep him out until after the summer, there are no injury or suspension worries for the home side.
UCD, meanwhile, will be seeking to do a favour for Dundalk who they beat 3-1 on Sunday when Robert Griffin hurtled to the top of the club's goalscoring charts by getting two. It brings his tally to four in three games and seven for the season.
All three First Division teams with hopes of joining Kilkenny in the Premier Division next season are in action this evening. Athlone need to beat Galway at home and hope for a draw between Waterford and Drogheda at the Regional Sports Centre.
The three teams are tightly grouped in the table, but the game in hand that Tommy Lynch's side have as a result of their Cup run gives them the edge. A victory this evening, in front of what should be another very large crowd, would certainly bring promotion within their grasp and, given Drogheda's recent form (three defeats and two draws in six outings), it would seem difficult to bet against.
"It's another big game for us but fortunately, our lads have gotten used to big games at the RSC, so we'll be just taking it in our stride, and looking for a good performance," says Lynch, who adds Alan Reynolds and Joe Harkin to the squad following their recovery from injury.
