Sport

St Patrick's surprised but focused on staying top

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEW: A TRIFLE surprised they are still top of the league with just over a third of the campaign to go, …

PAUL BUTTNER
Fri Aug 13 2010 - 01:00

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEW:A TRIFLE surprised they are still top of the league with just over a third of the campaign to go, David McAllister says St Patrick's Athletic have no plans to loosen the grip on their title challenge.

“Everybody is expecting us to fade away, but we’re taking it one game at a time,” said midfielder McAllister, who expects to be rewarded for his goal in the 2-0 win over Drogheda United last week with another start at bottom-of-the-table Bray Wanderers tonight.

“If we win our next two or three games we’ll go into the last series top of the league – it’s huge.

“When I signed, I was talking to Pete (Mahon, the St Patrick’s manager) and he was saying what his goals were. I don’t think we were expecting to be right up there challenging where we are. It would be something else if we stay there.”

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With Paul Byrne out with a twisted ankle and Ryan Guy suspended, Mahon has just two fit strikers in Vinny Faherty and Danny North. Damian Lynch should be fit following a slight hamstring strain.

Pat Devlin takes charge of Bray for the third time following Eddie Gormely’s resignation and is missing the injured Graham Kelly, Danny O’Connor, Adam Mitchell and the suspended Chris Shields along with long-time casualties Richie Baker and David Tyrrell.

Shamrock Rovers, behind St Patrick’s only on goal difference following their win over Bohemians last Sunday, are without midfielder Chris Turner and defender Pat Flynn due to suspension for their trip to Drogheda United.

That presents manager Michael O’Neill with a problem at right-back as Craig Sives is a doubt with a groin strain. Striker Dessie Baker and preferred right-back Pat Sullivan remain out with Achilles and knee injuries respectively.

Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon gives late fitness checks to Glenn Cronin and Gareth McGlynn ahead of their visit of Galway United.

Tonight's fixtures (7.45 unless stated):Premier Division – Bohemians v Galway United; Bray Wanderers v St Patrick's Athletic; Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers; Sporting Fingal v Dundalk; First Division – Derry City v Cork City; Mervue United v Limerick; Shelbourne v Monaghan United (8.0); Waterford United v Wexford Youths.