Challengers out to narrow the gap | Airtricity League

Challengers out to narrow the gap

Friday, 02 April 2010 10:55

Shelbourne could close the gap on league leaders Waterford United if they can defeat Finn Harps at Tolka Park tonight.

The Reds are currently trailing the Blues by four points, meaning a win over the Donegal side would reduce the deficit to just one point. Waterford are not in action until Saturday night, when they travel to Terryland Park to face Mervue United.

Manager Dermot Keely has a full squad to select from, except for Sean Byrne who is still suffering with a thigh injury. Michael Coburn and Mark Leech are likely to start again, both having made successful debuts in Flancare Park last week.

Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher will have to sit this game out, meaning Liam Mailey will deputise in goal. Harps manager James Gallagher also has concerns over Packie Mailey and Jonathan Minnock both of whom are suffering with hamstring injuries.

“The trip to Shelbourne is going to be a tough one," said Gallagher. "Last weekend Shelbourne beat Longford by five goals to three and they will be buzzing. We were on the end of a three nil home defeat and we are hurting at the moment. Since I have been involved with Harps, both as a player and manager, I have really enjoyed games against Shelbourne. It is a good pitch and a good stadium at Tolka and it should be an entertaining game.”

Another side hoping to push up the table tonight is Athlone Town. The midlanders have got off to a great start in the 2010 campaign, taking seven points from their opening four matches. They travel to Gortakeegan tonight to face Monaghan United knowing that another three points for them would see Brendan Place's side narrow the gap at the top of the table.

A win for Monaghan, on the other hand, would see Mick Cooke's side join Athlone on seven points.

Limerick are currently third in the First Division table but they host Cork City Foras Co-op knowing that defeat would see the visitors leap-frog over them.

Cathal Lordan is doubtful for the visitors, as is Gearoid Morrissey, while Dave Warren is certain to miss out.

“It will be a difficult game," said Cork manager Tommy Dunne. "It’s another Munster derby, and they have had a good start to the season. Jackman Park is always a tough place to get a result, and we expect a tough, physical game.”

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