Sport

Rovers determined to keep the pressure on Drogheda

League of Ireland: With Drogheda United not in domestic action until Monday, second placed Shamrock Rovers can move to within…

Paul O'Hehir
Fri Aug 31 2007 - 01:00

League of Ireland:With Drogheda United not in domestic action until Monday, second placed Shamrock Rovers can move to within four points of the leaders with victory over Longford Town at Tolka Park tonight.

Rovers' resurgence since winning the First Division title last term has been remarkable and supporters can scarcely believe their team's impressive run. The Dublin club have hovered in the mix since the start of the season but many doubted their durability.

But while St Patrick's and Bohemians slide, Rovers continue to tough it out. Drogheda remain strong favourites to withstand any late surges but Rovers still have a say in this title showdown.

However, it would be folly to underestimate Longford considering their own confidence of late. Alan Matthews' side may be rock bottom but recent league wins over Bohs, Bray and St Patrick's Athletic have rejuvenated a previously demoralised camp.

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Nevertheless, Rovers manager Pat Scully makes no bones of his demands tonight. "Longford have some very good players and they're on a good run of form but they're at the bottom of the table for a reason," he said.

"Without being disrespectful to them, if we're going for the league we really have to win our home games against clubs at the bottom."

Ger O'Brien and John Martin are serious doubts with back injuries while Scully has slight concerns over Eric McGill, Tadhg Purcell, Pádraig Amond and Ger Rowe but he is confident they'll pull through.

Longford strikers Dessie Baker and Robbie Martin return from injury.

Waterford languish second from bottom and manager Gareth Cronin brings his side to Inchicore on the back of two league defeats.

"We are now in the business end of the season and every game is vital," he said. "There are still a lot of points left to play for and if we get enough of them we'll stay safe and that's the priority."

Dave Mulcahy is suspended for the game against his old club, while Cronin is also without Kenny Browne (foot). Robert Brosnan and Cathal Lordan return having missed the defeat to Cork.

St Patrick's, third in the table, are without Colm Foley, Anthony Murphy and Michael Keane but Dave Rogers returns from suspension.

Fifth-placed Bohemians travel to Bray with revenge on their mind having lost there in March. Owen Heary is suspended but Dessie Byrne and Liam Burns return having missed the draw with Drogheda.

Gary McCabe (knee) and Mark Duggan (calf) are doubts for Bray, while Colm Tresson (heel), Paul Dunphy (wrist) and Derek Tyrrell (hand) are definitely out.

Cork's Seán Kelly (knee) is doubtful for Galway's visit to Turner's Cross but Gareth Farrelly (groin) should be fit to play. Galway are without Regi Nooitmeer (knee). Stephen O'Flynn returns from suspension.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division: Bray Wanderers v Bohemians, Cork City v Galway United, St Patrick's Athletic v Waterford United, Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town (8.0).