UCDSOCCER.COM looks ahead to tonight's Dublin derby
UCD AFC travel to Tolka Park on Friday evening to take on Dublin rivals Shelbourne.
The game kicks off at the slightly later time of 8pm.
It’s the second time the sides have met this season, Shels came out on top with a 2-0 win in The Bowl back in May.
Former UCD players Brian Shorthall, Andy Boyle, Conan Byrne and Gareth Matthews will be lining up in Shels colours.
UCD go into the game on the back of a recent run of games without a win.
The Students currently sit bottom of the Airtricity League Premier Division table with 11 points from 19 games so far and lie four points behind 10th placed Dundalk heading into the final round of fixtures which kick off after tomorrow night’s game.
Last 5 results:
July 6th UCD 0 – 1 Derry City 
July 15th Bohs 1 – 0 UCD
July 22nd UCD 1 – 1 St Pats
July 27th Drogheda 1 – 0 UCD
Aug 3rd UCD 0 – 2 Shamrock Rovers
UCD are missing the injured goalkeeper John Kelly, who did some light training yesterday but won’t be involved, while top scorer Graham Rusk, midfielders Chris Mulhall and Tom O’Halloran and striker Cillian Morrison all miss out through injury but centre back David O’Connor and striker Samir Belhout both return from suspension.
Some quotes from manager Martin Russell:
“We will continue our philosophy despite not having the results that we feel our performances have deserved, but we maintain our attacking philosophy.”
“Players like Paul Corry have benefited from this and it looks as if he may have a move to another level in the game imminently.”
Speaking about tomorrow night’s opposition:
“Shels, as I knew they would, have proved they are a worthy Premier Division team and we know like all the games that will are going to have to bring our best to get something from the game.”
And talking about some former ‘Boys in Blue’ now playing for Shels: “Yeah it’s always good to meet up with former players (Andy Boyle, Brian Shorthall, Conan Byrne, Gareth Matthews) and most clubs we go to play we meet up with ex players which shows the benefits of what we do here.”
In the last game between the two sides, played at Belfield in May, Shelbourne came out on top (0-2), with goals by Philly Gorman (17 seconds) and David Cassidy (65 mins). Previous to that game, the sides did not in league action since 2009 in Division One, when the three games played, with points being shared equally – a win, a draw & a loss apiece.
Shels have a full squad to pick from and ahead of the game here's what manager Alan Mathews told shelbournefc.com: Ahead of the UCD game, Matthews gave his thoughts "we know we will have to produce a really top class performance to achieve the three points on offer, but I firmly believe we have the players to take on any side this season, and go into this game full of confidence. UCD are one of the best footballing sides in the country and we are going to have to work really hard to earn a result on the night."
Referee: Graham Kelly
