Sporting Fingal Vs St Patricks Athletic Preview

Sporting Fingal will host St. Patrick’s Athletic for the first time this season tonight, in the Morton Stadium. It’s the first of three home matches in a twelve day period for Fingal and three points would hoist them above their second-placed opponents. Friday night’s 2-1 victory at UCD, their third straight Airtricity League win, was hard-fought – leading Buckley to admire his Fingal side’s resilient streak.

“We’ve never had an easy game against UCD and it took a huge effort from the lads in the second half to regain the lead and hold out for the points,” he said. “The concentration levels by the players over recent games have been fantastic and that will be required as we head into the fourth and final series of matches.”

Looking to tonights visit of St. Patrick’s Athletic, Buckley explained that his troops are in composed mood.“We’ve drawn twice at Inchicore so far but, as the home team, we’ll be expecting to take the initiative for this one. “Our players realise this game will not make or break their season but are aware of the opportunity it gives them to put themselves into a better position three quarters way through the campaign.”

Conan Byrne, the scorer of Fingal’s first goal in the 2-1 win at UCD, echoed his manager’s sentiments.He said: “We’ve had to grind out some wins lately which perhaps would have resulted in draws earlier in the campaign. “Playing St. Pat’s at home is a brilliant prospect for us. They’ve been up around the top all season and here’s a chance for us to continue our current form against one of the title favourites.”

Colin Hawkins remains sidelined with broken ribs while Lorcan Fitzgerald faces a pre-match fitness test having missed the last games with a hamstring strain.

The Saints will be hoping for a good performance to keep them in touch with Rovers at the top of the Premier Division. St Pat’s picked up injuries to Dave Mulcahy (hamstring) and Danny North (knee) against Sligo Rovers on Friday night and both players are set to miss out. Paul Byrne (ankle) is still out but Damien Lynch is available for selection having recovered from an ankle injury.

“I thought the team played really well (Friday night) and we did every we could to win the match so I’ve no complaints. It was a real Pats’ performance, especially in the second half and I could’nt fault the players – they were excellent.Sporting Fingal present a very different challenge but we’re looking forward to it.  It’s a big game for us, while we were even with Rovers a few weeks ago they are now 5 points clear so we can’t fall too far behind them” – Pete Mahon.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.