Sport

St Patrick's Athletic v Shelbourne

"We've had a dignified approach to it so far and that's the way we want to keep it," says Pat Dolan regarding Shelbourne's appeal…

Fri Oct 19 2001 - 01:00

"We've had a dignified approach to it so far and that's the way we want to keep it," says Pat Dolan regarding Shelbourne's appeal being upheld in relation to St Patrick's being deducted nine points.

The St Patrick's manager refused to comment further as the sides meet for the first time since Shelbourne took their action to the FAI last month which resulted in the home side being knocked from top to third bottom.

St Patrick's are likely to decide over the weekend to take the matter to arbitration, rather than to the courts, before next Wednesday's deadline to do so.

"People say we are going to be more passionate about this game against Shels than we have for games against them in the past, but that's simply not the case," added Dolan. "People make decisions and they have to do what they think is right. We are just concerned in getting things right for us."

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Midfield deadball specialist Martin Russell is St Patrick's main injury concern due to a persistent groin strain. Strikers Liam Kelly (knee) and Gavin Doyle (head cut), who also both retired early in last week's 4-0 win in Galway, are expected to be fit as in-form St Patrick's hope to stretch their unbeaten run to eight games.

Goalkeeper Steve Williams returns for Shelbourne as manager Dermot Keely says he needs his "big guns for this one". Winger Richie Baker is a serious doubt with a groin strain so Brian Byrne may start. With Pat Fenlon suspended, Jim Crawford comes into midfield alongside Jim Gannon and Davy Byrne.

Last two seasons: 2000/20001: St Patrick's Athletic 0 Shelbourne 2, Shelbourne 3 St Patrick's Athletic 1, St Patrick's Athletic 4 Shelbourne 1; 2001/2002: Shelbourne 1 St Patrick's Athletic 1.

Current league form: St Patrick's Athletic: W D W W D W; Shelbourne: W L L W W.

Leading league scorers: St Patrick's Athletic: Mbabazi (six); Shelbourne: R Baker and Geoghegan (four each).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

The unexpected death yesterday of Dave Wigginton, at his place of work in Ballydehob, Co Cork, will be regretted by fans of the League of Ireland who admired his contribution to the success of the Cork clubs in the 1970s.

Wigginton (51), joined Cork Hibs from Derby County in 1968 when he was recruited by Amby Fogarty. He developed into one of the most exciting strikers in the country and played a major part in Hibs' successes as they won the FAI Shield in 1970, the League Championship in 1971 and the FAI Cup in 1972 and 1973.