Shelbourne travel across the Liffey tonight to visit bitter rivals St. Patrick’s Athletic in tonight’s rearranged Airtricity League Premier Division fixture, as they look to bring life to a camping that is starting to take on an ominous air for Alan Mathews’ side. The Saints meanwhile will be looking to tonight’s derby game to kick start a run of four home games that can see them position themselves firmly amidst the title contenders.

Shels are the first of four visitors to Inchicore over the next two weeks, with Sligo, Derry and Bohs all to follow over the next fortnight and with a win tonight putting Pat’s into third in the table, and allowing them the opportunity to open up a gap between themselves and the mid table pack.

Shelbourne meanwhile come into the game with just one point from seven games so far this term, and a fresh 3-1 defeat at home to Drogheda their latest miserable experience. Alan Mathews and his side have shown all the hallmarks of relegation candidates so far this year and a trip to St. Pat’s will most likely not be high on their wanted list. With trips to Cork and Limerick up next the fixture list offers no reprieve and Shels face into the prospect of drifting further from lower mid table security with each passing week.

Liam Buckley’s side have go into the game with Shane McFaul the only injury concern, while several Shelbourne players carry knocks but all bar Glenn Cronin – who remains on the injury list.

Image: Shels' Ian Ryan
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