Shelbourne v UCD

SSE Airtricity League – First Division

Tolka Park – May 1st – KO 8.00pm

After two away fixtures, at opposite ends of the country, Shelbourne return to Tolka Park, on Friday, where they host UCD in the Series 9 fixture of the SSE Airtricity League, First Division.. Kick-off at Tolka Park is scheduled for 8.00pm.

Shelbourne left Ballybofey pointless last Friday night, having lost out to the only goal of the game – an 80^th minute goal from the penalty spot after Harp’s Raymond Foy tumbled over in the area.

UCD had Cobh Ramblers as opposition at the Belfield Bowl last time out, the game ending with honours even, Ryan Swan and Stephen Kenny trading scores.

The league table, following last week’s games, shows UCD and Shelbourne in 4^th and 5^th places, respectively – the ‘Students’ on 11 points (GD 5), while the Reds are on 8 points (GD -4).

Last time out, the second week of the season, Shelbourne took all three points from Belfield, courtesy of a goal from defender Sean Heaney in the 75^th minute.

In the nine games played between the sides (7 league, 2 Leinster SC) since the start of 2012, Shelbourne came out on top in five, UCD in three (incl a LSC game won on penalties), with one game drawn.

Speaking about last week’s game away to Finn Harps, manager Kevin Doherty had this to say “I was very pleased with our performance last weekend against Finn Harps, which saw us back to our solid best. We had a number of chances to score that vital first goal, but it just didn’t happen. The penalty decision, which ultimately meant that we left empty handed, was disappointing, but going forward, this is the type of performance we require to get our season back on track.”

And on Friday’s game against UCD “It was a very tough game when we played them early in the season. They have had a number of good results lately. No doubt we can expect them to come to Tolka and play their usual passing game and I expect that there won’t be much between us at the final whistle..”

For a change, we can report that everyone has been given a clean bill of health (with the exception of Simon Dixon, who misses the remainder of the season).

There are no players absent through suspension.

Suspended: none

Injured: Simon Dixon.

Doubtful: none

Goal Scorers (2015 Season)

Gareth Coughlan – 2

Mark Sandford – 2 (1 EAC)

Sean Heaney – 1

Philip Hughes – 1

Craig Walsh – 1

Conor Earley – 1

League form to date:

Shelbourne: D W W L D L L L

UCD: W L L L D W W D