• General

  • Thursday June 23rd, 2011 @ 14:21

SAINTS FOCUS ‘SOLELY’ ON BRAY CHALLENGE

St Patrick's Athletic return home after three successive away games to host Bray Wanderers in the Airtricity League Premier Division tomorrow (Friday) at Richmond Park (kick off: 7.45 pm).

The Saints took full points from their trips to Dundalk, Drogheda and Galway, a tally that leaves them only one point off the top of the Premier Division table.

The Saints must put thoughts of their pending European adventure to the back of their mind as they take on the Airtricity League's surprise package who under Pat Devlin's tutelage find themselves just eight points from the summit with a game in hand.

Devlin's men defeated St Pats in Richmond Park back in March coming from two goals behind to win 3-2.

Monday's UEFA Europa League draw the Saints will face a longer road trip having been drawn against Icelandic side ÍBV in the First Qualifying Round with the first leg due to take place in Reykjavík next Thursday, 30th June 2011.

TEAM NEWS

Conor Kenna is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury but is still at least two weeks away from being considered for first team action. Ian Bermingham returns from a one match suspension and will be hoping to return to the starting eleven despite an impressive performance from Jake Carroll in Galway.

Dave Mulcahy (knee) and Derek Pender (foot) missed the victory over Galway United through injury and though Pender looks set to return to the side, Mulcahy is rated as extremely doubtful. Neil Harney was replaced during that game after taking a knock to the head but he is fit and available for selection.

PETE MAHON

“This is a massive, massive game for us and though others are focusing the European games and future league games we're focusing solely on this game.

“We watched Bray on Monday night and they're a very good side who can cause us problems.

“We managed to pick up another win on Tuesday in Galway and we're on a great run. The players deserve enormous credit and they want to keep the run going and intend on doing that tomorrow night.

“We've been bogged down with a lot of fixtures recently, it has been hectic and it will be hectic for the next while but all we can focus on is the three points tomorrow night. Europe will look after itself but the league games are definitely our priority.

“The two sides are even after two league games so far this season but this is a different game altogether now. The only impact those games might have is that the result in Richmond Park earlier this season might make us more determined not to suffer a repeat of it.

Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
Team Pld Pts
Shelbourne616
Derry City611
Sligo Rovers69
Waterford FC68
Galway United FC67
Bohemian FC57
Shamrock Rovers56
St Patrick's Athletic66
Drogheda United54
Dundalk52

St Patrick's Athletic FC

Founded in 1929 the 'Saints' are the current FAI Cup holders and play in the Premier Division of the SSE Airtricity League at Richmond Park, in Inchicore Dublin 8, Ireland.

Contact Us

125 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 E0Y7, Ireland

(+353) 1 454 6332
(+353) 1 454 6211