It's been a productive week off the pitch for UCD with the news that Philip Nolan has joined the club as Commercial Manager. UCD have said that Nolan “brings with him 15 years experience of working in the League”. Nolan, who has previously worked with St. Patrick's Athletic and Sporting Fingal may improve UCD's off the field fortunes, but unless the Belfield club can improve their on field fortunes then they will be facing a relegation battle.
Without doubt, one of UCD's biggest problems this season in the league has been in front of goal. The main reason why Martin Russel's team lie in 9th in the Premier League table is because they have scored only 2 league goals this season from their opening 5 games in the top flight.
Bohs have not exactly been prolific in finding the net either since their opening day 3-1 win at Bray Wanderers. Pat Fenlon's side have failed to score in their last 3 Premier League matches and have just 2 wins from their opening 5 fixtures. The Gypies head into Friady nights visit to Belfield with something of an injury crisis. Last weeks penalty saving hero Barry Murphy will be out for up to 5 weeks with a groin injury. Clonmel man Ollie Cahill (hamstring) and Lee Dixon (calf), that's not the former Arsenal right back by the way, will also miss the trip to Belfield. Other long-term absentees Christy Fagan (hamstring), Chris O' Connor (shoulder) and Glenn Cronin (knee) will also miss the trip to UCD.
Despite the injury situation, Bohs manager Pat Fenlon remains philisophical and feels that it will be a chance for some younger players to step up to the plate “There might be some young lads that are going to make their debuts on Friday. We have to try them, we have to see how good they are. We haven't got anything else, and people will have to be patient” Fenlon told the Bohemians website.
The Bohs manager was also quick to praise the youth system of the Belfield club “In fairness to UCD, they keep producing players. They have some decent players that we have been chasing over the years. There should be a fair few young players on show which will be good for the game.” added the Bohemians manager. Bohs have been much tighter at the back than their opponents this season and this may just tip the balance in the visitor's favour.
UCD: Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Doubtful: None.
Bohemians: Injured: Barry Murphy (groin), Ollie Cahill (hamstring), Lee Dixon (calf), Christy Fagan (hamstring), Glenn Cronin (knee).
Doubtful: Killian Brennan.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Alan Kelly.
Match Odds: UCD: 12/5 Draw: 11/5 Bohemians: Evens.
Extratime.ie Prediction: UCD 0-1 Bohemians.
© Seamus Egan 2011.
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