MATCH PREVIEW: Shamrock Rovers vs St. Patrick's Athletic
Shamrock Rovers vs St. Patrick's Athletic
Friday, 15th April 2022
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium
8pm Kick-Off
Shamrock Rovers welcome St. Patrick's Athletic to Tallaght Stadium this Friday, in what will already be the third meeting between the sides this season.
The hosts come into this latest Dublin Derby in good form, after successive away wins in the last fortnight against Finn Harps & Shelbourne respectively. An 89th minute winning strike secured all three points for the Hoops last Friday in Tolka Park. Andy Lyons continued his fine run of form by opening the scoring in the opening minutes, before Shane Farrell levelled the scoring for Shelbourne mid-way through the second-half.
Meanwhile, Tim Clancy's side head to Tallaght on the back of a recent blip in form, picking up only 2 points out of a possible 9 in their last three games. A frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Drogheda United was followed up by a cagey 0-0 draw against Stephen O'Donnell's Dundalk in Richmond Park last Friday - the first time O'Donnell returned to his old home venue following his controversial departure from the FAI Cup champions during the off-season.
Tallaght Stadium hosted the annual League of Ireland curtain-raiser back in February between the Hoops & the Saints, which Stephen Bradley's side eventually won on penalties after a tight 1-1 draw after 90 minutes. Jack Byrne scored the decisive penalty in the shootout, to land Rovers their first silverware of the season - the first-time Rovers won the President's Cup since it's introduction back in 2014.
The second meeting between the sides took place just over a month ago in Richmond Park, as a Chris Forrester header ten minutes into the second-half proved to be the sole difference between the foes, in-front of a sold out crowd.
3 points separate the sides ahead of this weekend's game, with Rovers sitting on 17 points after the first series of fixtures in 2nd place, whilst St. Pats sit underneath the Hoops in third place on 14 points. Ruaidhrí Higgins' Derry City side continue to set the pace on 23 points.
Friday's match official team will consist of Paul McLoughlin (referee), Darragh Keegan & Chris Campbell (assistants), and Derek Tomney (fourth official).
TEAM NEWS
Shamrock Rovers: Roberto Lopes returns to the Rovers squad, after missing last week's victory over Shelbourne due to testing positive for Covid-19. Graham Burke, who came off injured in Tolka Park last Friday, will be the sole Rovers absentee for tomorrow's game in Tallaght.
St. Patrick's Athletic: Jamie Lennon (foot) & Adam Murphy (hamstring) will miss the game in Tallaght. Paddy Barrett remains absent after undergoing surgery in the off-season. Chris Forrester & Jack Scott return yo the squad after illness and injury respectively.
COVERAGE
LOITV: Fridays game will be broadcast live on loitv.ie for just €7. The broadcast will begin from 7:30pm, with kick-off at 8pm. You can purchase your match pass via the link below:
https://www.loitv.ie/en-int/playerpage/1318777
TWITTER: The official Shamrock Rovers Twitter account will be providing live in-game updates throughout the ninety minutes in Tallaght, for those of you unable to attend the game.
MATCH TICKETS
Limited amount of match tickets remain for Friday's clash. The South stand is completely sold out, while a small number of tickets remain for the East Stand and West Stand for home supporters.
A small number of away tickets are also still available for St. Patrick's Athletic fans. For Pats fans looking for tickets, please contact St. Patrick's Athletic directly.
To purchase tickets in the home end, click the link below: