Soccer

League leaders Dundalk wary ahead of Limerick visit

Richie Towell voted soccer writers’ player of the month for July

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny: his Dundalk side remain are unbeaten in 13 league games.Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny: his Dundalk side remain are unbeaten in 13 league games.Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Paul Buttner
Fri Aug 15 2014 - 01:00

Richie Towell is wary of Limerick as Dundalk hope to spring back to winning ways tonight.

Limerick were the last team to win at Oriel Park in the league, a defeat towards the end of last season all but putting paid to Dundalk’s title aspirations for 2013.

Though held to a 1-1 draw at Louth rivals Drogheda United last week, which reduced their lead at the top to four points, Stephen Kenny’s side remain in sparkling form, unbeaten now in 13 league games.

“Yes, Limerick always seem to play well against us,” said Towell, yesterday named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland player of the month for July.

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“Down there they gave us a great game, and up in Oriel in the first game against them as well, we only got a late winner.

“So we always find Limerick tough opponents and I’m sure they’ll be even tougher now under their new manager. They’ve got a few new signings in as well so they’ll all want to impress.”

Defender Simon Kelly remains a doubt with a calf strain as manager Kenny may bring Keith Ward back into the squad.

Respective 4-1 home wins over Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers mean Limerick will travel with confidence. Russell also hopes to have captain Shane Duggan back fit following a hamstring strain, but waits on Kieran Djilali, Prince Agyemang and Shane Tracy.

Former Ireland underage international midfielder Patrick Cregg has become Pat Fenlon’s first signing as Shamrock Rovers manager. The one-time Arsenal trainee, most recently at St Johnstone in Scotland, hopes to have his international clearance through in time for tonight’s trip to Athlone Town.

Fenlon’s only absentee is striker Ciaran Kilduff who has a calf problem.

Bottom side Athlone are without suspended midfielder James O’Brien while defender Sean Byrne and striker Graham Rusk are injury doubts.

From the high of scoring a spectacular winner against St Patrick’s Athletic last week, suspension sees Colin Healy sit out Cork City’s trip to Derry City. Cork manager John Caulfield is also without Garry Buckley and Billy Dennehy due to bans. Right-back Brian Lenihan returns following concussion. Tonight’s fixtures (7.45 unless stated) Premier Division: Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians v Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers, Derry City v Cork City, Dundalk v Limerick, St. Patrick’s Athletic v UCD . First Division: Waterford United v Finn Harps Home: 11/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 21/20 Wexford Youths v Shelbourne (8.0) Home: 19/10, Draw: 21/10, Away: 6/4