Rovers and St Pat’s get ready for Dublin derbies

FOLLOWING the Easter weekend that concludes the first quarter of the season, reports Scott Mahon.

This weekend the fans are treated to two Dublin derbies with all teams coming off the back of important wins.

Shamrock Rovers host Shelbourne at Tallaght stadium meanwhile St Pats make the trip to Dalymount this Friday.

Rovers look like they’ve finally found their groove, scoring 9 goals in their last 3 games.

Not only have they been scoring handfuls of goals, but they are keeping them out at the other end as well, keeping 3 consecutive clean sheets.

The 2-0 against Bohemians last Friday however will spur them back to their best and its always a massive boost to claim bragging rights over your rivals.

In the reverse fixture at Tolka Park it finished up a bore 0-0 draw, however, this came at a stage in the season when Rovers hadn’t won a game and were in a poor vein of form.

St Pat’s Joe Redmond from Kilnamanagh will have a key role to play against Bohemians

Now sitting in third place, the Hoops will be looking to continue this run and push for more points on the board.

Rovers key players have really stepped up to the challenging situation they found themselves in.

Jack Byrne, Graham Burke and Rory Gaffney have been an integral part of Rovers attack and if they stay in this type of form, there’s no reason why Rovers can’t push for 4 in a row.

St Pats like their Dublin rivals took maximum points over the Easter weekend.

A comfortable 4-0 against Cork followed by a hard fought 3-1 win against Drogheda on Monday night.

Speaking post-game at United Park, manager Tim Clancy spoke about how important the Dublin derby is this coming Friday.

“…it’s a huge game for us… it’s important we recover well for the rest of the week and prepare well.”

However, there is a slight worry following last night’s performance, both Joe Redmond and Jake Mulraney were subbed off with injuries.

Clancy didn’t comment on if these are serious or not, but it is essential for this Pats side that these two-stay fit.

Redmond, the Kilnamanagh native, has stepped into his new role as captain with flying colors so far.

Urging his team on to a run of 3 wins.

As for Mulraney, he’s also come into a purple patch in front of goal.

Scoring 3 and assisting 2 in his last 4 games.

It’s vital that the Saints don’t have a massive injury on their hands with their big Winter signing.

Firhouse lad Eoin Doyle also got his name on the scoresheet in the Drogheda game with his 3rd of the season.

Pats will be looking for one of their outright number 9’s to step up to the plate.

With Rovers and Pats level on points and neck and neck in the standings, it’s crucial both sides keep their foot on the gas to catch league leaders Bohemians.

With the form that both sides are in it sets up for a tasty Friday night of League of Ireland action.

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