Sport

St Pat's closing in on goal

League of Ireland: Upsetting UCD by beating them for the first time this season in what is their last match at Belfield Park…

Paul Buttner
Fri Nov 02 2007 - 00:00

League of Ireland:Upsetting UCD by beating them for the first time this season in what is their last match at Belfield Park is St Patrick's Athletic's goal as they strive to clinch second place in the league and a place in next season's Uefa Cup and Setanta Sports Cup.

Mathematically, St Pat's need four points to seal second spot. But with a three-point gap and five goals better off than third-placed Bohemians, a win would all but suffice tonight. Manager John McDonnell knows with UCD still needing a point or two to secure their Premier Division status, a fourth win on the spin would be very hard earned.

"UCD's last match is away to Galway and that will be in the back of their heads," added McDonnell, who brings a full squad to Belfield. "They've got to get something out of this game."

UCD will be without left back Ian Bermingham who's with the Ireland under-19s in Portugal.

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Galway United need a point against Waterford at the RSC to virtually guarantee their survival as they've a far superior goal difference to their hosts who lie second-bottom in the play-off place. Defender John Fitzgerald returns from injury and midfielder John Russell from suspension, but injury and a ban rule out both Daryl Robson and Greg O'Halloran respectively. Waterford are likely to be without striker Karl Bermingham (ankle).

Should bottom side Longford Town lose at Bohemians the result would almost certainly relegate the cup finalists.

Boss Alan Mathews will have a full side to choose from at Dalymount with the return of Kevin Doherty and Colm James. Bohemians need the win to stay on course for Europe. Des Byrne, Liam Burns and Stephen O'Donnell return to the squad following suspension, while Mark Rossiter, John Paul Kelly and Neale Fenn return from injury.

Champions Drogheda United will be presented with the brand new Premier Division trophy after hosting Bray at United Park.

Bray need a result to avoid dropping into the play-off spot - should Waterford beat Galway.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated)

Premier Division: Bohemians v Longford Town; Derry City v Shamrock Rovers; Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers; UCD v St Patrick's Athletic; Waterford United v Galway United.

First Division: Finn Harps v Athlone Town (7.55); Limerick 37 v Shelbourne; Wexford Youths v Dundalk (8.0).

English League One: Swansea v Gillingham. Two; Lincoln City v Chester.

Irish Premier Division: Limavady v Newry.