Shelbourne a sterner test of Harps revival

Finn Harps v Shelbourne: Having taken 12 points from their last four games and scored 13 goals along the way, Shelbourne look to close the gap on Cork and Derry at the top of the table this evening in Ballybofey by beating a Finn Harps side who have done well over the last couple of weeks against their main relegation rivals.

A victory would move the defending champions to within six points of the leading two clubs although Cork would still have a game in hand on both their main title rivals.

Pat Fenlon will have plenty to chew on during the journey north with Richie Baker back from suspension and Glen Crowe and Alan Reynolds both fit to start. Stuart Byrne has another week of his ban to serve, however.

After last week's demolition of Waterford, Fenlon is hardly like to change too much but the Shelbourne boss insists that Harps are the best of the three bottom clubs and he will weigh up his options before deciding on his line-up.

The Dubliners will look to Jason Byrne to continue his outstanding recent run of form while Ollie Cahill is expected to start at left back again. Crowe could return but it might be harsh to drop Gary O'Neill after his two goals against Waterford.

Harps, who have Cork, St Patrick's and Derry City to come in their next three league games, could do with getting something out of the game and go into it with some degree of optimism in the wake of their second big win of the campaign over Rovers. They are likely to be unchanged.