General
- Friday October 6th, 2017 @ 15:54
Team News: St Pat's Vs Limerick
St Patrick's Athetic host Limerick on Saturday evening in Richmond Park as they return to SSE Airtricity League action (kick-off 5pm).
Following an impressive 2-0 home win over Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers last week, the Saints will be looking to continue their good home form which has seen them claim four wins from their last four league games in Inchicore.
In team news, the Saints have Gavin Peers available for selection after he served a one match suspension, while goalkeeper Barry Murphy has resumed training following a rib injury. Darren Dennehy remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
"Last week's win over Shamrock Rovers was important as it was a much needed three points and a result the lads needed off the back of the defeat to Bohemians," Saints' manager Liam Buckley admitted when talking to stpatsfc.com. "We're into the final stretch now with four games over the next four weeks so every game is crucial."
Opponents Limerick travel to Richmond Park off the back of an appearance in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Semi-Finals where they narrowly lost to league leaders Cork City. Despite the loss, Buckley expects Neil McDonald's side to come to Richmond Park in good spirits.
"Last week we saw Limerick's defeat to Cork and they were a little unlucky to lose. They have picked up a few results lately so we're expecting a tough challenge. In the games between ourselves this season, there's been very little between us so we expect the same on Saturday.
"That said though, we're on a good run at home in the league so we'll be looking to keep that up. Our supporters were fantastic in getting behind the team last week against Rovers and it really gave the players that little bit of extra energy in the second half. The club are making great efforts to get families down to the game on Saturday so hopefully we'll see good numbers in Inchicore for what is a big game."
With children under the age of 12 gaining free admittance on Saturday, skipper Ian Bermingham knows a good crowd in Richmond Park is expected and echoed the sentiments of his manager by praising Saints' supporters.
"We'd a great win over Rovers and the support on the night was great. Having the crowd behind was a great boost to us and to be fair the support in our home games recently has been immense. Hopefully they can help us get the three points again and we can give them more reason to make some noise."
Reflecting on the previous encounters with Limerick this season in the league, including the 2-2 away draw in which he scored in last July, Bermingham outlined that the Saints will be going out to claim all three points.
"There's very little between us and we know their strengths and weaknesses based on the games earlier in the year. They have some good players, and up front they have pace with Ogbene and Tosi is very strong and can be a handful so we know what to expect. From our side though, we have strong players going forward as well so if we can be positive from the start and keep it tight at the back, we'll give ourselves a chance."
