IT MAY not last too long but Galway United get to go into this evening’s game against Dundalk as league leaders and Ian Foster has been attempting to rally support over the past few days for his team in the wake of last week’s 3-0 defeat of St Patrick’s Athletic in Inchicore.
The home side will most likely be without the injured David Cooke but aside from the midfielder, Foster has pretty much a full squad to choose from. Sean Connor adds Darren Mansaram to his panel but Michael Collins is still unavailable due to a continuing delay with his international clearance.
“I’m not sure what the problem is but we just have to get on with it,” says the former Bohemians boss. “It’ll be tough, though, because any team that wins 3-0 at Richmond Park is one to be reckoned with.”
Two of the clubs with more realistic ambitions of being at the top of the table come the end of the season meet at Dalymount Park, meanwhile, with Derry City travelling to Dublin for a rerun of last season’s cup final.
Clive Delaney is suspended for the visitors, while Sammy Morrow (ankle) and James McClean (virus) are doubts, but Liam Kearney is line for his competitive debut for the northerners after shaking off an injury problem.
Pat Fenlon still has injury concerns on a number of fronts, with Seán Byrne, Conor Powell and Glenn Crowe all likely to miss the game. However, Jason Byrne and Ken Oman are in contention to start and the latter’s return would allow Owen Heary to revert to the right back role.
Cork City will be looking to build on a solid opening draw in Sligo last weekend when they take on St Patrick’s Athletic in Turner’s Cross this evening. Paul Doolin has almost a full squad to choose from, with only Stephen O’Donnell unavailable after limping out of last weekend’s contest due to a knee problem.
The visitors are still without the likes of Brendan Clarke (foot), Steve Maher, Bobby Ryan and Glen Fitzpatrick (all knee), as well as Gary Dempsey (suspended), but Mark Quigley (shoulder) will have a fitness test. Jamie Harris and Dave Partridge return having served bans.
Drogheda United take on Bray Wanderers in their first home game since the local community rallied to save the club during the close season.
John Paul Kelly is a doubt for the hosts, while James Chambers and Paul Crowley are both carrying minor knocks.
PREMIER DIVISION(7.45) – Bohemians v Derry City, Dalymount Park; Cork City v St Patricks Athletic, Turners Cross; Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers, United Park; Galway United v Dundalk, Terryland Park; Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers, Tallaght Stadium, 8.05
FIRST DIVISION(7.45) – Limerick v Mervue United, Jackman Park; Sporting Fingal v UCD, Morton Stadium; Monaghan United v Shelbourne, Century Park, 8.0; Wexford Youths v Waterford United, Ferrycarrig Park, 8.0.
