Mahon says Tallaght side still favourites to retain title

SOCCER: DESPITE HIS side going into tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash with a two-point advantage over their Dublin rivals, St…

SOCCER:DESPITE HIS side going into tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash with a two-point advantage over their Dublin rivals, St Patrick's Athletic manager Pete Mahon insists the hosts in Tallaght remain the favourites to retain their title over the coming months.

“I said last week that I thought Sligo are the best side I’ve seen this year, but I still think Shamrock Rovers are more likely to win the league,” said Mahon.

His players must pick themselves up after a tough midweek trip to Iceland in the hope of extending their lead at the top of the table.

“It’s been a long three days,” he says, “and this is a tough game to come back to. But then, in a way, it’s a good one too, the lads know how important it is and there won’t be any problem lifting them for it.”

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Rovers have had their difficulties this week too, with the departure of first team coach Trevor Croly.

But, says Mahon, “We’ll focus on our own problems, whatever goes on there is none of our business.”

Conor Kenna misses out for the visitors again while Danny North, who went into Thursday’s game with a slight ankle problem and came off early, is a doubt.

The home team have Chris Turner suspended while Karl Sheppard is ruled out with an ankle injury.

Today – Airtricity League, First Division: Finn Harps v Cork City, Finn Park, 6pm

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times