Fenn confirms retirement

LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION:AS THREE-TIME League of Ireland winner Neale Fenn confirmed his retirement from football yesterday, his former club Bohemians were eyeing a return to the top of the table, something they can achieve by beating joint league leaders St Patrick's Athletic at Dalymount Park this evening.

Fenn, a member of the under-20 Ireland squad that finished third in the World Cup back in 1997, started his career at Tottenham where he played a handful of first-team games before a succession of loans moves were followed by a spell at Peterborough United.

It was in the league here, though, that he underlined his quality, helping Cork City and then Bohemians (twice) to the championship. He has, however, struggled with injuries at times and ongoing back problems are believed to have played a part in prompting him to end his playing days.

Bohemians, meanwhile, are without Anto Murphy and Steven Gray as they look to extend their eight-match unbeaten run in the league. “I firmly believe this is a team that is capable of winning the league again,” says manager Pat Fenlon, “and our recent form is evidence that the team is beginning to take shape”.

Their visitors are without the injured Gareth Coughlan while Shane Guthrie is a doubt. Newly signed midfielder James O’Brien is in the squad, but unlikely to start.

Elsewhere, Bray must beat Drogheda if they are to have even the faintest hope of catching their rivals at the foot of the table. Goalkeeper Matt Gregg is in contention for a start after rejoining the club.

And Robert Duggan is in with a shout of starting in the other goal after joining United from Shamrock Rovers while Eoghan Osborne and Darren Brennan are available again after suspension.

UCD have Greg Bolger suspended and a handful of players injured ahead of tonight’s game against Galway. The visitors, who have shed players, including Thomas Heary and Bobby Ryan, in an attempt to cut spending, have Karl Sheppard available again.

First Division – Last Night

Athlone Town 1 Waterford United 1

Tonight

Premier Division (all 7.45pm)

Bohemians v St Pat’s Ath Dalymount Park

Drogheda Utd v Bray Hunky Dorys Park

UCD v Galway Utd UCD Bowl

First Division (all 8pm)

Finn Harps v Derry City Finn Park

Monaghan Utd v Mervue Utd Gortakeegan

Shelbourne v Limerick Tolka Park

Wexford Yths v Longford Ferrycarrig Park