Crucial six-pointer as Bray meet Shels - January 26,
2001
Shelbourne v Bray Wanderers, Tolka Park 19:45
Shelbourne play their third game in six days tonight when they take on Bray Wanderers at their Richmond Road home. It's crucial week for the reigning champions - and so far it hasn't gone to plan, with just one point from two games. One from three would be disastrous!
A win for Bray would establish them as the leading challengers - which in fact they are. Four points against Kilkenny over the mid-winter has helped disguise the fact that Bohemians are seriously off the boil and it's Bray and St. Pat's who are moving in the right direction.
Wanderers have already beaten Shels twice this season and will fancy their chances of making it three out of three - especially as Shels are showing the effects of their busy week and have a couple of worrying injuries. James Keddy has a calf strain and Richie Foran is doubtful with a hammy twinge.
If both fail to make it, Shels are stretched. Mark Hutchison can come in in a straight swap for Keddy but Tony Sheridan is the only cover for Foran. Keely could go with two Bakers up front but then Shels would lack width on the right.
Bray have their own injuries. Gary Dempsey is ruled out and goalkeeper John Walsh is doubtful - but the reliable Eddie Van Boxtel stands by.