Dundalk's nine-point plan - December 14, 2000
Dundalk v St. Francis 19:45
All Dundalk boss Martin Murray wants for Christmas is nine points - starting with three tonight against lowly St. Francis at Oriel Park.
Promotion-chasing Dundalk are nine points behind leaders Athlone, with a game in hand - while the Saints share bottom spot with Drogheda. But the Louth side are locked in a three-way fight for the second promotion slot with Waterford and Monaghan - and Murray wants them to acquire some breathing space with three wins out of three over the Christmas period.
Next up are Drogheda tomorrow week, followed by a crucial six-pointer against Monaghan after Christmas.
"We haven't out a decent run together recently - and it's time we did," said Murray. "That's what Athlone have managed to achieve. If we can do the same, we can make up some ground on them."
With a trio of players suspended tonight - Aaron Callaghan, Liam Dunne and Greg O'Dowd - Dundalk will field John Flanagan, David Hoey and David Crawley. The recently returned John Connolly takes over in goal from Brian McKenna.
Meanwhile, Dundalk have told their former St. Patrick's Athletic winger Brian Morrisroe that he caan leave on a free transfer.