Saints gearing up for a derby double
By Daire Walsh
FOLLOWING back-to-back draws in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, St Patrick’s Athletic will now have to negotiate two tough Dublin derbies within the space of just four days.
At Richmond Park tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm), the Saints will entertain Shelbourne who are managed by Ballyboden native Damien Duff and find themselves in a relatively health position on their latest return to the top-flight.
They will remain on home soil for next Monday evening’s round of fixtures as Bohemians make the trip across to Inchicore for another tantalising encounter (the action once again getting there underway at 7.45pm).
Since they suffered a chastening 4-0 defeat to the high-flying Derry City in Richmond on April 29, the performance levels of Pat’s have improved significantly.
After comfortably recording a 4-0 triumph of their own away to Drogheda United, they carded a scoreless draw in a quick reunion with Derry at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Monday.
And a Darragh Burns goal, in response to an opener from former Pat’s forward Aidan Keena, later secured them a share of the spoils with Sligo Rovers six days ago at The Showgrounds.
After an extended run on the road, the Saints will play four of their next five league games at Richmond.
Seventh in the table, Shelbourne lost out 3-0 to Pat’s at Tolka Park in their first game of the campaign, but have grown in stature since then.
A Stephen Mallon finish gave Bohemians edge it when Tim Clancy’s men paid a visit to Dalymount Park on February 28 and the Saints will have revenge on their minds as a result.