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Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers: Rovers' striker Trevor Molloy has not broken a leg as had been first feared when he was taken…

By Paul Buttner
Fri Jan 03 2003 - 00:00

Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers: Rovers' striker Trevor Molloy has not broken a leg as had been first feared when he was taken off after only 20 minutes of last week's win at Drogheda.

(Richmond Park, 7.45)

An initial X-ray proved inconclusive, but a second one on Monday revealed no break and Molloy has made a full recovery and may even be fit to start tonight.

Manager Liam Buckley is forced into a definite switch in central defence, however, as Richie Byrne, who has played there since Pat Scully went on the transfer list in November, is suspended.

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"Our next two games will decide our season," said Buckley, whose side can leap-frog Cork City on goal difference ahead of their crucial meeting next week.

Six points adrift at the bottom with three of their remaining four games away from home, Bray are in real trouble.

Barry O'Connor is suspended, but Pat Devlin welcomes back several players. Colm Tresson returns from suspension, defender Jody Lynch and striker Eamon Zayed are fit again while Maurice Farrell and Phil Keogh are over illnesses.

Last two seasons: 2001/02: Bray Wanderers 1 Shamrock Rovers 1, Shamrock Rovers 4 Bray Wanderers 0, Bray Wanderers 2 Shamrock Rovers 1; 2002/03: Shamrock Rovers 2 Bray Wanderers 1, Bray Wanderers 1 Shamrock Rovers 1.

League form: Shamrock Rovers: L L W L W; Bray Wanderers: W L W L L.

Leading league scorers: Shamrock Rovers: Hunt (10); Bray Wanderers: Byrne (12).

Referee: H Whoriskey (Meath).

Betting: Home: 8/15; Draw 11/8; Away: 5/2.

UCD v St Patrick's Athletic (Belfield, 7.45)

UCD striker Robert Doyle returns from suspension as College hope to continue their remarkable recovery.

Paul Doolin's side, languishing in the bottom two for five months, have lifted themselves clear with a run of four wins from their last six games. "We've given ourselves a chance and it's now up to the players to take it," said Doolin.

Whether top scorer Doyle comes straight back into the team is Doolin's main decision after his replacement, Alan Gallen, did well in Monday's win at Longford. Fellow striker Seán Finn remains sidelined with a knee injury.

St Patrick's' relief at ending a four-match losing run with a rousing win over Bohemians was palpable, but they know they are still not out of danger yet.

Veteran midfielder Paul Osam, carrying both groin and knee injuries, is again a doubtful starter while young striker Kevin Doyle, who came off last week with a calf strain, is also struggling for fitness.

Central defender Colm Foley has had 'flu this week, but should be fit to play. Darragh Maguire, Willie Burke and Philip Hughes are still on the injury list.

Last two seasons: 2001/02: UCD 0 St Patrick's Ath 0, St Patrick's Ath 1 UCD 2, UCD 0 St Patrick's Ath 0; 2002/03: UCD 1 St Patrick 's Ath 0, St Patrick's Ath 2 UCD 2.

League form: UCD: W D W L W; St Patrick's Ath: L L L L W.

Leading league scorers: UCD: Doyle (seven); St Patrick's: Bird (five).

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 13/8; Draw: 11/8; Away: 11/5.

Bohemians v Drogheda United (Dalymount Park, 7.45)

The confirmation of Glen Crowe's absence for the remainder of the season with a knee ligament injury has added to manager Stephen Kenny's problems.

Also out tonight through suspension are Crowe's strike partner Paul Keegan and central defender Derek Coughlan, sent off last week.

Kenny's selection problems don't end there as Coughlan's defensive partner Colin Hawkins looks like he may have to play despite a knee injury as Paul McNally, Jason McGuinness and Ken Oman are also unavailable due to injury.

Tony O'Connor is likely to move across to central defence with Damien Lynch coming in at right back. Gary O'Neill can expect to start up front, probably alongside Mark Rutherford.

"These things happen," said Kenny of his mini-crisis, "but we are not despondent. We have good players to come in and will field a strong side."

Drogheda's home defeat to Shamrock Rovers last week leaves them in a precarious position. Midfielder Stuart Taylor is suspended while Mark Dempsey requires a late fitness test (groin strain).

Last two seasons: 2001/02: Did not meet; 2002/03: Bohemians 3 Drogheda Utd 1, Drogheda Utd 0 Bohemians 2.

League form: Bohemians: D W W W L; Drogheda Ud: W D D W L.

Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (18); Drogheda Utd: Myler (seven).

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).

Betting: Home: 2/7; Draw: 15/8; Away: 7/2.

* Betting courtesy of Paddy Power