1. Derby day in D24
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT, Shamrock Rovers have blown hot and cold this season. They’re unbeaten since the surprise loss to UCD at the end of last month and put seven past Drogheda in the Setanta Cup final.
Tonight, they welcome Bohemians to Tallaght, who are without a win in their last four league outings. To call the previous meeting of these two met a dull affair would be generous – the Hoops had Derek Foran sent off in the first half and Trevor Croly blamed the poor condition of the Dalymount pitch for the stalemate.
This time out, we’re expecting a much more open affair.
2. The only way is up for mangerless Shels
Having parted company with manager Alan Mathews yesterday, Shelbourne entertain St Patrick’s Athletic in another all-Dublin encounter at Tolka Park.
It has been a season to forget so far for the club who dominated the Premier Division at the turn of the Millennium and with just six points from their first 13 games, a return to the second tier beckons unless they can turn their fortunes around.
Second-placed Pat’s know they can go level on points with leaders Sligo Rovers with a win as the Bit O’Red don’t play Dundalk until tomorrow. Liam Buckley’s side have been strong on the road and should get the better of the home side.
3. McNamee earning plaudits
Derry enjoyed an excellent April, in which they went unbeaten and won four of their five Premier Division games, and influential midfielder Barry McNamee has been recognised for his contribution.
The promising 21-year-old, who has been the subject of interest from a number of British clubs in the past, scooped the Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month and received a call-up to Noel King’s Ireland U21 squad for their international friendly with Denmark at the end of the month.
Donegal native McNamee is part of the Candystripes squad which travels to Hunky Dorys Park for tonight’s clash with Drogheda United and, after suffering two defeats on the bounce, the Foylesiders will be aiming to get back in touching distance with Sligo.
4. Cork celebrate heroes of the past
Back in May 1993, Cork City clinched a first ever Premier Division title and did it the hard way. A three-way tie at the top with Bohemians and Shelbourne meant a series six of play-offs which the Rebels eventually won out thanks to a 3-2 victory over Shels at the RDS.
Pat Morley, Dave Barry and Paul Bannon were the scorers that day (see highlights below) and to commemorate the 20-year anniversary, the club are welcoming back the league-winning team tonight.
On the field, they entertain Bray Wanderers, who will be eager to come away with three points having conceded two late goals in a 2-1 defeat when the clubs played at the Carlisle Grounds last month.
YouTube credit: retroloi
5. Is Craig Curran a superhero?
Limerick striker Craig Curran wore a protective mask during the defeat to Drogheda on Tuesday night due to a facial injury he picked up in the previous game against Cork.
Sporting turquoise hair since the club’s generous decision to partake in the Shave Or Dye campaign, the on-loan Rochdale frontman resembled something straight out of a Marvel comic book.
We think it’s a good look and are hopeful it becomes a permanent fixture.
Fixtures (7.45pm Friday unless stated)
Premier Division
- Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians, 7:05 pm
- Cork City v Bray Wanderers
- Drogheda United v Derry City
- UCD v Limerick
- Shelbourne v St Patrick’s Athletic, 8pm
- Sligo Rovers v Dundalk, Saturday 7.45pm
First Divsion
- Salthill Devon v Athlone Town
- Waterford United v Wexford Youths
- Finn Harps v Mervue United, 8pm
- Longford Town v Cobh Ramblers, Saturday 7.30pm
