General
- Tuesday May 28th, 2013 @ 14:16
Saints Host Students
The Saints return to action in Richmond Park on Tuesday as they welcome Martin Russell's UCD side to Richmond Park as they go in search of three points to maintain top spot in the league (kick-off 7.45pm).
The game sees the two in-form Premier Division sides clash as both look to main their current form which has seen them claim three wins and a draw in the four games of the second series of league games to date.
Liam Buckley's side will be aiming to maintain a 12 game unbeaten run in all competitions, while with four wins from their last six league games, UCD will similarly be hoping to extend their run of good form.
The Saints however boast a long unbeaten run against the Students in the league in Inchicore which goes back as far as November 2001. On that occasion, goals from Robbie Martin and current Republic of Ireland U19 manager Paul Doolin secured UCD a 2-1 win against a Pat's side that featured Martin Russell.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com before Tuesday's clash, Buckley confirmed he has a full squad to select from and that his side are under no illusion of the task facing them, citing UCD's list of recent victories as an indicator of the test he expects.
“UCD have had a tremendous month of results lately. They've beaten Shamrock Rovers, Derry, Bohemians and had a great win against Dundalk on Friday. They are no pushovers and Martin Russell has them playing well and passing the ball well. That being said, we're in good form too so it really does augur well for a good game of football.”
As one of six former UCD players in the Pat's squad, 24 year old full-back Ian Bermingham is well aware of the type of game and challenge UCD will present the league leaders. The Dubliner told stpatsfc.com that the Saints will need to be on their game to get a result.
“Yeah it'll be tough, they're a good team. Obviously I was there before so I know how they play. They always want to get the ball down and they're youthful so they'll have energy so we'll have to match them. If we can do that, hopefully we can come out on top.”
