Series 35 Preview

Bohemians v Longford Town

Sean Connor now has to raise the morale of his side following last week's non-performance in the FAI Ford Cup semi-final clash with Cork City. Ironically, they face City's opponents in the decider, and both sides will be fully focussed on collecting three points. The Gypsys must win their remaining games and hope that the Saints slip up in order to secure UEFA Cup football next term. Longford's targets are less salubrious; they face the same imperative as their hosts, but are targeting second last spot as opposed to second. Alan Matthews' squad will be enhanced by the return of his cup-tied duo of Colm James and Sean Kelly; However Ian Ryan is suspended. The hosts boast a full complement, save for the long term absentee Thomas Heary on what will be an emotional evening for Feargal Harkin - the Bohs favourite makes his final appearance at Dalymount Park after 10 years with the Phibsboro club.

Previous meetings:
Longford Town 3-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 Aug 07 ->>
Bohemians 5-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 11 May 07 ->>
Longford Town 3-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Nov 06 ->>
Bohemians 0-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Aug 06 ->>
Longford Town 3-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Bohs 4/7
Draw 12/5
Longford 9/2

Bohemians:WWWWW
Longford:LLDWW
Referee Alan Kelly


Derry City v Shamrock Rovers

Derry's long list of absentees is challenged ably by Rovers, who will field without Ger Rowe, Eric McGill, Alan Reynolds, Paul Shiels, John Martin, Padraig Amond and Aidan Price. Neither side have acquitted themselves well in recent outings - the Candystripes have collected just two of the last twenty-one points on offer, while the Hoops managed to stop a run of four consecutive defeats last week. With Buzzer Rowe suspended and Tadhg Purcell struggling with a groin problem their run of five games without a goal may well be stretched here, although Pat Scully's side still harbour fading hopes of an Intertoto spot. A must win game for the visitors; another must get it out of the way game for City.

Previous meetings:
Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 Aug 07 ->>
Derry City 1-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 14 May 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Derry 11/10
Draw 2/1
Rovers 9/4

Derry:LDDLL
Rovers:LLLLD
Referee Damien Hancock

Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers

There's unfinished business to be completed at both ends of the table in United Park on Friday; never before has a Drogheda United captain raised the Premier Division trophy aloft ( never before for that matter, has any captain raised this trophy aloft, as it's a new one!) and that historical event will take place alongside Bray's attempt to swerve a relegation play-off. The Seagulls are but two points better off than eleventh-placed Waterford United but at least have their destiny in their own hands. The sore heads should be in better shape by now and Paul Doolin will be demanding a win to mark the occasion. Paul Caffrey and Mark Duggan are non-runners for the visitors while Ray Kenny is suspended; Clive Delaney, Stephen Fox and Paddy Kavanagh face late fitness tests.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 1-2 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Aug 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 4-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 1-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 22 Sep 06 ->>
Bray Wanderers 0-1 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 2 Jul 06 ->>
Drogheda Utd 1-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 31 Mar 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Drogs 8/13
Draw 12/5
Bray 4/1

Drogheda:WWWWD
Bray:DDDDL
Referee Declan Hanney

UCD v St. Patrick's Athletic

Following the disappointment of their cup dismissal last weekend UCD could be forgiven for coveting a handy game this weekend. It will be anything but as the Saints come to Belfield in search of the points needed to secure second spot in the table. With five wins from their last six games, Pats are a side in top form and the Students will require a huge effort to raise their efforts in order to pick up the points necessary to safeguard their presence in next season's Premier Division. John McDonnell and his staff will be mindful of the fact that they have failed to defeat Pete Mahon's side in each of their last five attempts.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 1-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 6 Aug 07 ->>
UCD 2-2 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 11 May 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 UCD Eircom League Cup 2007 7 May 07 ->>
UCD 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 8 Sep 06 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jun 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
UCD 5/2
Draw 9/4
Pats 10/11

UCD:DLDLL
Pats:WLWWW
Referee Paul Tuite

Waterford United v Galway United

Undoubtedly the crunch tie of the weekend in the top division with both of these sides sailing close to the relegation blade. Waterford's woeful goal difference may well be their downfall, even if they do manage to rein one of their targets in. Both sides are on similar formpaths, although the Blues hold psychological sway with victories in both previous encounters this year. John Sullivan returns from suspension for the visitors, with Greg O'Halloran sitting this week's game out. Daryl Robson is injured, but the return of John Fitzgerald provides a boost for the visitors. Meanwhile Gareth Cronin welcomes Vinny Sullivan back from his brief injury absence; unfortunately for the Blues Karl Bermingham has suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury and is very doubtful, while Alan Mulcahy serves a ban.
Previous meetings:
Galway Utd 1-2 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 3 Aug 07 ->>
Waterford United 1-0 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 11 May 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Waterford 5/4
Draw 2/1
Galway 2/1

Waterford:LWDWD
Galway:LWLDW
Referee Anthony Buttimer

Sligo Rovers v Cork City

Sligo Rovers have been something of a bogey team for Cork City this season; that 4-1 defeat at the Showgies will burn long in the minds of the Leesiders. Damian Richardson will be hoping that his squad can build upon last week's impressive showing; three league games without a win has seen his slide slip from pole position to pessimistic hopefuls in the race for the runner-up position. Gareth Farrelly's return may not provide the selection headache anticipated for el Rico- Joe Gamble's suspension leaves a berth vacant in midfield. With Shamrock Rovers breathing on their shirt collars City can ill afford to ease up at this stage, and will be hoping for a charitable performance from the tumbling Bit O'Red. They did manage to stop the rot after four defeats on the bounce with last week's scoreless draw at the aforementioned Hoops. Seamie Coleman returns from a ban for the hosts, but Daniel Ventre must stay seated following his recent red card at Waterford.

Previous meetings:
Cork City 1-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 3 Aug 07 ->>
Sligo Rovers 4-1 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 12 May 07 ->>
Cork City 2-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 20 Oct 06 ->>
Sligo Rovers 0-3 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 12 Sep 06 ->>
Cork City 2-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 2 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Sligo 12/5
Draw 12/5
Cork 10/11

Sligo:LLLLD
Cork:WWDLL
Referee Dave McKeon

Finn Harps v Athlone Town

Harps' record of thirteen wins from fourteen games would suggest to Athlone Town that there is no point in turning up to Finn Park for Friday's televised offering. Strangely, with their season petering out into midtable anonymity, the Midlanders have scooped up seven of the last nine points offered them - the TV cameras often bring out the best in sides, although just scoring against the leaders is proving a difficult enough task. The visitors have not supped from the chalice of success at Finn Park for 15 years! The combination of solid defence and potent attack underscores Harps' tremendous surge to the summit and there is a huge weight of expectation on the shoulders of Paul Hegarty's men. Paul McTiernan's red card in midweek rules him out for the visitors, while the hosts welcome Tony Shields' return from a ban.

Previous meetings:
Athlone Town 1-0 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2007 1 Sep 07 ->>
Finn Harps 2-0 Athlone Town Eircom League First Division 2007 29 Jun 07 ->>
Athlone Town 2-2 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2007 28 Apr 07 ->>
Athlone Town 2-1 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2006 22 Sep 06 ->>
Athlone Town 1-1 Finn Harps Ford FAI Cup 2006 29 Aug 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Harps 2/9
Draw 4/1
Athlone 9/1

Harps:WWWWW
Athlone:LLWDW
Referee Derek Tomney

Limerick 37 v Shelbourne

A fourth place finish would represent an acceptable season for either of these sides following difficult preparations for varying reasons early on in the year. The hosts hold both the point and positional advantage and a draw will cement their finishing spot. It's been honours even so far for two sides with recently inconsistent records, although Paul McGee's side will welcome the opportunity to avenge the 4-0 pasting they received when the pair last met at Tolka Park. Noel Haverty is on U19 duty with Ireland, while James Hussey's return is not imminent. Wayne Colbert is suspended for the visitors, but Paul McGee will be in the dugout as his appeal to a hefty fine and accompanying suspension is pending.

Previous meetings:
Shelbourne 4-0 Limerick 37 Eircom League First Division 2007 1 Sep 07 ->>
Limerick 37 3-2 Shelbourne Eircom League First Division 2007 29 Jun 07 ->>
Shelbourne 1-1 Limerick 37 Eircom League First Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Lims 5/4
Draw 9/4
Shels 7/4

Lims:WLLWL
Shels:LDWLL
Referee Hugo Whoriskey


Wexford Youths v Dundalk

Wexford hauled themselves from the basement with last week's fine win in the Marble City; they will be intent on maintaining their elevated status against a Dundalk side stuck in a pregnant pause. The Lilywhites incurred the wrath of boss John Gill following last week's abject effort and Gill must use the next couple of games to restore his side to the competitive level required if they are to succeed against the vanquished in the First Division title race. Especially displeased with Dundalk's defensive display last time out, we can expect changes in the back four; that said, Dundalk have scored nine without reply in the previous three games between the pair this year. David Crawley and Keith Dunne return from suspension for the visitors, although Paul Marney serves a one-game ban. Wexford will be hoping to have Eric Bradley back from his hamstring injury, especially as midfield dynamo Paul Malone misses the final games of the season through suspension - Ben Brosnan keeps him company this week.

Previous meetings:
Dundalk 2-0 Wexford Youths Eircom League First Division 2007 30 Aug 07 ->>
Wexford Youths 0-3 Dundalk Eircom League First Division 2007 30 Jun 07 ->>
Dundalk 4-0 Wexford Youths Eircom League First Division 2007 26 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Wexford 5/2
Draw 9/4
Dundalk 10/11

Wexford:DLLLW
Dundalk:WWWLL
Referee Tom Connolly

Kildare County v Kilkenny City

This duo have struggled to put good results back to back of late, but both are due one to maintain the sequence this week. Kildare can at least point to the fact that they lost to the league leaders, while the Cats were collapsing at home to Wexford Youths. Little to inspire here. Eoghan Carew is due back from a ban for the Thoroughbreds, Michael Comerford likewise for City.

Previous meetings:
Kilkenny City 1-1 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2007 1 Sep 07 ->>
Kildare County 3-3 Kilkenny City Eircom League First Division 2007 30 Jun 07 ->>
Kildare County 0-1 Kilkenny City Ford FAI Cup 2007 17 Jun 07 ->>
Kilkenny City 3-3 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->>
Kildare County 2-1 Kilkenny City Eircom League First Division 2006 11 Nov 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Kildare 4/5
Draw 9/4
Kilkenny 3/1

Kildare:WLWLL
Kilkenny:WDLWL
Referee Ed McNally

Cobh Ramblers v Monaghan United

Nothing less than three points will suffice for the hosts as they continue their battle for supremacy with Finn Harps. A poor record in their three previous clashed for the Mons suggests that this should be a formality for the hosts. Mons' Barry Burke is suspended, while John Kearney is available after serving his ban for the Rams.

Previous meetings:
Monaghan Utd 0-4 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2007 1 Sep 07 ->>
Cobh Ramblers 3-0 Monaghan Utd Eircom League First Division 2007 30 Jun 07 ->>
Monaghan Utd 1-2 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2007 29 Apr 07 ->>
Cobh Ramblers 2-1 Monaghan Utd Eircom League First Division 2006 14 Oct 06 ->>
Monaghan Utd 0-0 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2006 13 Aug 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Cobh 1/4
Draw 7/2
Mons 9/1

Cobh:LWWWW
Mons:LLLWD
Referee Ray Rogers

Series 34 Preview

Dundalk v Limerick 37

The Lilywhites have cemented their place in the promotion play-off semi-final and realistically it's all about keeping things ticking over while they await the outcome of the duel between Finn Harps and Cobh Ramblers. Shaun Williams continues to build up his match fitness in anticipation of greater things to come for the Louthmen. They will take to the field without the suspended duo of Keith Dunne and David Crawley, while Ben Whelehan and Kevin McArdle are still nursing injuries. Thomas McGauley is available after his one game ban as the home side seek to stretch a run of almost 600 minutes without conceding on the plastic pitch. The visitors have little but pride to play for as their season fizzles out. They are not troubled by suspension but are without Brian Buckley, Paul Finucane and Darren Harrington for various reasons. Without an away victory since July of this year, it seems they may be wasting their money on the busfare.

Previous meetings:
Limerick 37 4-1 Dundalk Eircom League First Division 2007 24 Aug 07 ->>
Dundalk 0-0 Limerick 37 Eircom League First Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Limerick 37 0-1 Dundalk Eircom League First Division 2007 20 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Dundalk 1/2
Draw 5/2
Limerick 5/1

Dundalk:WWWWL
Limerick:DLWLL
Referee Derek Tomney

Bohemians v Cork City

The first of this weekend's televised cup semi-finals brings the heavy-hitters out at Dalymount Park. Bohs come into this game in flying form and will be keen to avoid a replay at the Cross. That's not to say we can expect a feast of freeflowing, attacking, football from the home side who have come into their best form of the campaign in recent games. The loss of Stephen O'Donnell, Des Byrne and Liam Burns through suspension may suggest a threadbare look to the side, but there is enough depth in the Gypsys' squad to absorb their loss. Joxer Kelly is an unlikely participant - Harpal Singh's recent performances should negate his absence. Cork have almost a full squad to select from, but will need to step their defensive performance level up a gear following consecutive defeats against Drogheda and the Saints on their last two outings.

Previous meetings:
Bohemians 2-1 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 10 Aug 07 ->>
Bohemians 2-2 Cork City Eircom League Cup 2007 3 Jul 07 ->>
Cork City 2-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 18 May 07 ->>
Cork City 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Sep 06 ->>
Bohemians 0-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Jun 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Bohs 5/4
Draw 2/1
Cork 2/1

Bohemians:WWWWW
Cork:WWDLL
Referee Damien Hancock

UCD v Longford Town

UCD have been preening themselves in anticipation of this game for a couple of weeks now and should be well prepared if nothing else. It will be interesting to see if Pete Mahon reinstates Paul Byrne to the starting eleven; we have seen little of the player who was the Students' top scorer before his prolonged injury absence. Alternatively, PM may opt for the five-man midfield formation which has served his side well this term, with Ronan Finn behind Conor Sammon. Shane Fitzgerald's gazellian traits have been kept in cotton wool since he picked up a hamstring injury and he may well figure. Shane McFaul was injured against Bohemians last Monday but is unlikely to be kept out for such a crunch game. Longford have been concentrating on Premier Division survival and back to back wins will have reignited their self-belief. Alan Matthews' already lean squad is further trimmed by the absence of Sean Kelly, Ian Ryan and Colm James who are cup-tied. Sean Prunty shipped a heavy knock against Bray last Monday and will do well to play any part at Belfield.

Previous meetings:
UCD 0-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 19 Oct 07 ->>
Longford Town 1-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 21 Jul 07 ->>
UCD 2-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Apr 07 ->>
UCD 3-1 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 10 Nov 06 ->>
Longford Town 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 12 Aug 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
UCD 11/8
Draw 2/1
Longford 7/4

UCD:DLDLL
Longford:LLDWW
Referee Anthony Buttimer

Galway United v Derry City

This is one of three cup-finals for the Galwegians between now until the end of the campaign - the only positive for Tony Cousins' side that their destiny is within their own gift. Win all three and they swerve the relegation scenarios; a win against a Derry City side which has all but shut up shop for the year would be a good start. Unfortunately for the hosts they have the worst home record in the division but have not been beaten in league action by the Candystripes this season. That said, Derry City field without ten of their senior players and with just eleven fit first teamers will be trawling the U21's for back-up. Alan Moore, Ola Tidman, Dave McEwen, Sean Hargan, Ken Oman, Mark McChrystal, Ciaran Martyn, Pat McCourt, Gary Beckett and Sammy Morrow comprise the list of unfit Candystripes. Daryl Robson and Shaun Fagan should return for Galway, but John Russell serves a ban. It's difficult to know who will take the field for the visitors such has been the injury list recently and John Robertson has been making use of his fringe players in these nothing games for the Foylesiders.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 0-0 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 29 Jul 07 ->>
Derry City 2-1 Galway Utd Eircom League Cup 2007 8 May 07 ->>
Galway Utd 1-1 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Galway 11/8
Draw 2/1
Derry 7/4

Galway:LLWLD
Derry:LLDDL
Referee Declan Hanney

Waterford United v Drogheda United

Drogheda have been supping from the fruits of their success this week and may not be fully focussed on the task ahead; at least that's what fans of the Blues will be hoping for. Stuart Byrne and Eamon Zayed have flu, while both Brian Shelley and James Keddy are doubtful and Richie Baker's absence continues. Meanwhile, Robbie Hedderman is suspended for the hosts who have collected seven points from the last nine on offer; Gareth Cronin reckons he can cover Hedderman's loss and welcomes the return to fitness of striker Karl Bermingham .Paul Doolin may opt to give some of his faithful squad members a night under the floodlights as a thank you for their patience - they'll still make formidable opposition for a side scrambling for points.

Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 3-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Jul 07 ->>
Waterford United 1-1 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 1-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 17 Nov 06 ->>
Waterford United 2-3 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Aug 06 ->>
Drogheda Utd 4-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 19 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Waterford 6/4
Draw 11/5
Drogs 6/4

Waterford:DLWDW
Drogheda:WWWWW
Referee Alan Kelly

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

Two sides who are running on empty will most likely not produce the fireworks seen at Tolka when the visitors ended the Hoops' FAI Cup ambitions. The Hoops have conceded an unprecedented eleven goals without reply in their last four games; to put that statistic in some perspective, Pat Scully's side had conceded just 14 times in their previous twenty six outings. Watch out for flying wheels in the vicinity of Tolka Park. Paul Cook has acknowledged that he has had to go to the well once too often with his jaded players; although such pronouncements offer players a readymade excuse to my mind. Barry Ferguson and Ger O'Brien will restore some stability to the hosts' rearguard, while David Cassidy returns from a ban also. The visitors will be without both first choice full backs with recent Irish U21 cap Seamus Coleman and Daniel Ventre - not a recent Irish U21 cap- serving suspensions. Not expected to be one for the neutrals.

Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 2-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Jul 07 ->>
Shamrock Rovers 2-3 Sligo Rovers Ford FAI Cup 2007 16 Jun 07 ->>
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Shamrock R 10/11
Draw 9/4
Sligo 5/2

Shamrock R:WLLLL
Sligo:WLLLL
Referee Richie Winter

Finn Harps v Kildare County

A packed house will roar the Harps onto what their fans are hoping will be a First Division Championship as the momentum builds around Finn Park. Tony Shields serves out his 2 game ban for the visit of the Thoroughbreds, who are without Darren Stapleton themselves but have Eoghan Carew returning from suspension. Philip Byrne picked up a calf injury - no he wasn't involved in an incident with a young cow - last time out and is not expected to figure, but County will be boosted buy the return of striker Philly Gorman. Harps are the only side with the destiny of the title in their own hands and you just cant see them slipping up here. Disclaimer: Football's a funny old game.

Previous meetings:
Kildare County 0-3 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2007 25 Aug 07 ->>
Finn Harps 2-0 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Kildare County 1-0 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2007 21 Apr 07 ->>
Finn Harps 3-1 Kildare County Eircom League First Division 2006 30 Sep 06 ->>
Kildare County 1-3 Finn Harps Eircom League First Division 2006 29 Jul 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Harps 1/4
Draw 7/2
Kildare 9/1

Harps:WWWWW
Kildare:LWLWL
Referee Tom Connolly

Shelbourne v Cobh Ramblers

Following an impressive burst of form in the slipstream of the transfer window, Shelbourne have become somewhat wayward, but still have enough about them to trouble the top sides. This is a tricky assignment for Cobh on a weekend when their rivals look set to pick up maximum points. The Reds have beaten Dundalk and held the Rams at Tolka, but managed just a scoreless draw against Kilkenny City on their last outing in Drumcondra. Dermot Keely's side welcome the suspended trio of Jim Crawford, Stuart Malcolm, Anto Flood and James Chambers - nevertheless Dermot Keely has indicated that he will be giving some of his U21's a taste of first team action. James Hussey and Noel Haverty are both out for the Reds, while Cobh will field without the suspended John Kearney. Nothing but a win will do for the visitors who have conceded just six times on the road this season.

Previous meetings:
Cobh Ramblers 1-1 Shelbourne Eircom League First Division 2007 25 Aug 07 ->>
Shelbourne 2-2 Cobh Ramblers Eircom League First Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Cobh Ramblers 1-0 Shelbourne Eircom League First Division 2007 21 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Shels 3/1
Draw 9/4
Cobh 4/5

Shels:WLDWL
Cobh:DLWWW
Referee Hugo Whoriskey

Athlone Town v Monaghan United

There's little at stake between this pair who lie safely shoulder to shoulder in the nether regions of the First Division. It's been pretty much honours even in their three previous encounters and both sides had impressive wins last week. The visitors have no suspension worries, while Barry Burke continues to serve his ban for Mons. There are injury doubts concerning some of Mick Cooke's squad - Alvin Rouse and Willie Doyle primarily, while Peter Darcy, Stephen Finnegan and Jason McCartney will not figure again this term.

Previous meetings:
Monaghan Utd 1-0 Athlone Town Eircom League First Division 2007 24 Aug 07 ->>
Athlone Town 0-0 Monaghan Utd Eircom League First Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Monaghan Utd 0-2 Athlone Town Eircom League First Division 2007 20 Apr 07 ->>
Athlone Town 2-2 Monaghan Utd Eircom League First Division 2006 10 Nov 06 ->>
Monaghan Utd 1-0 Athlone Town Eircom League First Division 2006 12 Sep 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Athlone 5/4
Draw 9/4
Mons 7/4

Athlone:WDLLW
Mons:LLLLW
Referee Padraigh Sutton

Kilkenny City v Wexford Youths

The battle to avoid the wooden spoon takes centre stage in Buckley Park this weekend. The Cats responded to their mauling by Cobh with a fine win in Limerick last weekend and that was enough to lift them off the bottom. In relative terms it would be a great coup for the Youths were they to finish above anybody in their novice season - there would be much merriment in the wine bar - they've collected just three points from the last twenty-seven on offer and if they are going to collect another maximum haul it has to be here. They have already defeated the Cats on their home turf this term. The visitors have no new injury problems; Aaron Ryan has served his ban and returns along with Thomas Hughes. Derek Comerford is also back from the Defence Forces World Games thingy, but has walked straight into a ban.

Previous meetings:
Wexford Youths 3-0 Kilkenny City Eircom League First Division 2007 25 Aug 07 ->>
Kilkenny City 0-1 Wexford Youths Eircom League First Division 2007 26 Jun 07 ->>
Wexford Youths 0-1 Kilkenny City Eircom League First Division 2007 22 Apr 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
Kilkenny 5/4
Draw 9/4
Wexford 7/4

Kilkenny:LWDLW
Wexford:DDLLL
Referee Tomasz Superczynski

Monday Night Football - 22/10/07

Bohemians v UCD

This is a great time of the season to be facing the college boys; let alone the fact that this will be their second outing since Friday. Pete Mahon's side have but one focus at the moment - do not get injured for the cup semi-final. The Gypsys are much better equipped to handle the tightly packed schedule, and with Cork and Pats in opposition also, SC's side can make significant strides towards the second spot. UCD seemed both lethargic and aimless against Longford Town on Friday night and it's difficult to see them scoring against the division's most frugal back four. That said, Bohs have fired blanks in this season's two previous meetings. Dessie Byrne and Jason McGuinness returns from suspension for the hosts, but Stephen O'Donnell and Liam Burns join Dessie Byrne in the stands; Dean Pooley replaced McGuinness against Derry City last time out and should retain his spot. Joxer and Mark Rossiter are doubts but Ryan McCann and Harpal Singh provide adequate alternatives.
Bohs:LWWWW
UCD:WDLDL
Referee- Pat Whelan

Previous meetings:
UCD 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Jul 07 ->>
Bohemians 0-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 4 May 07 ->>
Bohemians 0-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Oct 06 ->>
UCD 0-1 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 29 Jul 06 ->>
Bohemians 2-1 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2006 28 Apr 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Bohs
Draw
UCD

Cork City v St. Patrick's Athletic

el Rico's charges will have to improve defensively if they are to blunt the rampant saints attack in this mighty showdown. The Cork boss must have choked on his paracetemol as he watched desperate Dan's back four usher Guy Bates towards the City goal on Friday night. Brian O'Callaghan's return may add some steel. Meanwhile in Inchicore the Saints were rattling five past a broken Rovers eleven. It was the Leesiders' first defeat in eleven games, and Denis Behan and John Deadleg O'Flynn should find the Pats rearguard slightly easier to penetrate. At the other end of the park any repeat of the recent defensive generosity will be exploited by the division's top scorers. Darragh Ryan's absence continues, although Cillian Lordan is fit for consideration. Anto Murphy returns from a one game ban; otherwise the Saints squad is likely to remain unchanged. The mother of must win games for both sides!
Cork:WWWDL
Pats:WWLWW
Referee- Dave McKeon

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 1-1 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Jul 07 ->>
Cork City 1-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 3 May 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 1-0 Cork City Setanta Sports Cup 2007 2 Apr 07 ->>
Cork City 1-3 St Patricks Athletic Setanta Sports Cup 2007 12 Mar 07 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-1 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 6 Nov 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Cork
Draw
Pats

Longford Town v Bray Wanderers

Bray were boosted by the much anticipated return of Colm Tresson last Friday and the Seagulls' stalwart almost netted a winner within minutes of his introduction from the bench. Eddie Gormley's side have been picking up points with quiet efficiency of late and have lost just one of their last seven league outings. longford's needs are greater. The Town are in a desperate situation and scrambling wildly for points; they haven't drawn on the road since picking up a point at United Park in early June. With their central defensive partnership back in situ last Friday they saw off UCD's wan challenge at Belfield; nothing lkess than a repeat will do beside the DART tracks.
Longford:LLLDW
Bray:WDDDD
Referee - Anthony Buttimer

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 1-3 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 27 Jul 07 ->>
Longford Town 1-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 5 May 07 ->>
Bray Wanderers 0-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Sep 06 ->>
Longford Town 1-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 27 Jun 06 ->>
Bray Wanderers 1-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 16 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Longford
Draw
Bray