• General

  • Thursday May 15th, 2014 @ 15:22

Team News: UCD-Pat's Team News

St Patrick's Athletic travel to the Belfield Bowl on Friday as they look to claim a win against UCD to stay top of the SSE Airtricity League table (kick-off 7.45pm).

Following last week's late 3-2 win against Cork City, the Saints sit top of the table – the win maintaining their good run of form which has seen them claim six wins in their last seven league games.

Similarly the Students are on a good run of league form, having taken points in their last three games, including a good 2-1 win against Drogheda United in their last home outing.

Saints' manager Liam Buckley told stpatsfc.com that he is hoping to see his side perform as they have done so in the last few weeks, as his side travel to Dublin 4 in search of three points.

“We've been going well in recent weeks, and a lot of credit must go to the players for their hard work both on and off the pitch. However we've got to keep going to stay in the mix near the top of the table, and that means we focus fully on UCD on Friday night.”

“Aaron Callaghan has got his side settled now and they are definitely taking shape in the way he wants them to perform. They've picked up a few results lately so we know it'll be a tough game, however our lads are keen to get out there again after last week's great win so we're all looking forward to Friday.”

In team news, Buckley confirmed that Derek Foran (knee) remains out injured, while he confirmed that Mark Quigley is back training now as he works his way back to full fitness. Elsewhere, both skipper Ger O'Brien and midfielder Chris Forrester could make their 100th appearance for the Saints should they make an appearance on Friday.

For Saints' winger Conan Byrne, the game against his former side is one he is looking forward to, as he looks to maintain his recent run of goalscoring form which has seen him net four goals in his last four league games.

“Motivation and confidence is really good amongst the players at the moment so we're happy with the results of late. However UCD will be difficult opponents as they've done well in recent games, the draw in Derry and win at home to Drogheda just two results they've recorded lately,” Byrne told stpatsfc.com.

“While we've been going well recently though, we know we have to improve defensively as it has been disappointing to give away soft goals. We need to eradicate that as going forward we're averaging about three goals a game.”

“Personally, I've been happy with my form as I feel my fitness levels have been strong, and the link-up with Ger O'Brien down the right side is going strong so hopefully the team can keep going like this.

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.

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

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