Sligo's chance to gain ground

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE:WITH MOST of the leaders taking a break from the league this weekend, Sligo Rovers and Bohemians will look to make up ground on the top sides as they head to two of the Premier Division's strugglers, Drogheda and Galway United respectively.

Having seen his side beaten rather tamely by Shamrock Rovers last weekend, Sligo Rovers manager Paul Cook made six changes for the game against Bray on Tuesday night and most seem likely to retain their places after a decent display earned the hosts all three points after they had initially fallen behind.

Cook has a full squad to choose from this time out, while United, who have yet to win this season, have Mark O’Brien back from suspension.

Galway’s problems mean Drogheda have not been cut adrift at the bottom despite their poor form and having seen his side beaten at Belfield by a UCD side that might have been expected to be a little vulnerable in the wake of their 7-0 drubbing at the Brandywell, Seán Connor must hope he can again inspire a little bit of magic against his former employers, Bohemians.

Pretty much a soft touch for Pat Fenlon’s side when they were winning league titles a couple of years back, United have won four of their last five games against the Dubliners, who are again without Christy Fagan and Glenn Cronin.

Wanderers, meanwhile, suddenly find themselves having to halt a slide after what was a remarkable start to the new season. Gary Dempsey’s form yesterday earned him the Airtricity/Soccer writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month Award for April but the last few weeks have proven a little more difficult for everyone at the club, so much so that UCD, who started the campaign very slowly, come into the game as the form team.

“In some respects we just wanted to get as many points on the table as is mathematically possible and to get some breathing space between ourselves and the bottom. That’s the reality,” said Dempsey yesterday.

“UCD will really test us but we have a good, solid home record and it’s important that we do everything in our power to build on it.”

Dave Webster and Danny Connor join the list of injured players for the home side, while Chris shields is a doubt with an ankle problem.

Martin Russell, however, has a fairly impressive list of problems himself, with the likes of Cillian Morrison, Robbie Creevy and Mark Langtry all out.