SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION PIECE
By Daire Walsh
With one-third of the season already done and dusted, the main challengers within the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division are beginning to emerge.
Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers occupy the top four spots in the competition thus far and are set to collide in the latest phase of fixtures tomorrow evening. While the likes of Dundalk and Bohemians could well break into this mini-group of title contenders, the above-mentioned quartet are currently setting the pace.
Despite recording five wins on the bounce, Shamrock Rovers remain one point adrift of Derry City in the Premier Division standings. Since leaving Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland set-up to take over his hometown club, Ruaidhri Higgins has had a galvanising effect on the Derry squad.
The Candystripes have just one defeat to their name from 12 games to date and will be hoping to remain at the summit when they pay a visit to St Pat’s at Richmond Park tomorrow (kick-off 7.45pm). Although a positive result could aid the cause of their south Dublin rivals, the Saints will be focused on getting one over on Derry and bolstering their own prospects for 2022.
Following a difficult run of form, back-to-back wins against UCD and Finn Harps has elevated Pat’s to third position in the table. Firhouse native Eoin Doyle bagged a brace in the latter victory last Friday and Saints boss Tim Clancy will be hoping he can produce something similar in Inchicore.
Managed by Perrystown’s Liam Buckley, Sligo Rovers come into their home clash with Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds (kick-off 7.45pm) on the back of two consecutive successes of their own. The Bit O’Red have accounted for Finn Harps (1-0) and Drogheda United (3-2) within the past 10 days and won’t fear The Hoops after playing out a 2-2 draw with them in Tallaght back on March 18.
Nevertheless, defending champions Rovers have displayed flawless form since that fixture and with Jack Byrne and Danny Mandroiu shining in recent weeks, it will be a surprise if they don’t extend their good run of form.