Shelbourne are the visitors to the UCD Bowl on Friday night.
UCD AFC welcome Alan Matthews’ Shelbourne to the UCD Bowl this Friday night, k.o 19:45.
With almost a third of the season’s games gone, it is proving to be another very competitive year in the Airtricity League Premier Division. While a quick glance at the league table will show that UCD AFC are in tenth place there are only three points separating them from sixth placed Derry City. A win on Friday night and favourable results elsewhere could see the students rocket up the league.
While UCD showed their resilience against Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United in recent weeks Martin Russell was not completely satisfied, stating:
"Either of those games could of gone either way to be honest about it, two draws is not the worst, but we keep pushing for wins."
Looking ahead to the Shelbourne game Martin and his side seem in high spirits, after that late comeback against the champions:
"We look forward to Shelbourne on our home grounds, and we look to put our best foot forward, we know that Shels are going to come to win. All their squad will be looking to do well. It has been a competitive league so far, and this game will be fought in a similar vein."
Pressed on whether he felt that UCD where is some what of false league position based on recent performance Martin was not willing to rest on his laurels;
"At the moment everyone seems capable of giving each other a game, looking at ourselves we have played well in games without getting maximum points, but if we keep the level of performances I believe that the results will go in our favour."
"We have shown that we have some good players establishing themselves at the highest league in the country, and they are already getting a level of attention from further afield."
On the international front UCD players Hugh Douglas, Chris Lyons, James Kavanagh and Dean Clarke all on stand-by for the under 19's qualifiers. While mid-fielder Paul Corry is on stand-by for the under 21's qualifiers. UCD AFC is proud of its tradition in recognising talent and developing the best young players in the country, which is once again highlighted by some of our best young players participating on the international stage.
In other club news UCD AFC's Promotions and Marketing Executive Philip Bourke will be leading the line when himself and various club members will take part in Pieta House's "Darkness into Light walk" in aid of suicide prevention in Ireland. If you wish to participate in one of their 14 nationwide events on Saturday the 12th of May log on to http://www.pieta.ie/?gclid=CPCQqJa59a8CFcpA4QodAzuUTg
Finally UCD AFC will be hosting international tennis player Arina Rodionova on Friday night and we sincerely wish her the best of luck in the upcoming World Team Tennis championship as well as the US and Australian Open.
Injuries
Chris Mulhall(groin), Sean Russell(back), Ger Barron(foot), Tomas Boyle(back)
Suspensions:
None
