Shelbourne v Limerick preview

Shelbourne take on Limerick in a FAI Ford Cup quarter-final at Tolka Park tonight, kick-off 8pm, with a semi-final date with St Patrick’s Athletic at stake.

Both sides are involved in the race for promotion from the First Division, and come into this game on the back of contrasting results.

Shels were beaten 2-1 at home by Monaghan United on Friday night which cut their lead at the top of the table to four points.

Limerick’s title and play-off hopes were boosted with a 1-0 win away to Mervue United. The Blues are now level on points with third-placed Cork City, but the Leesiders have a critical game in hand.

Limerick will be hoping they can repeat the win they secured on their visit to Tolka last month courtesy of late goals from Padraic Quinn and Peter Hynes.

The very fact they are even playing this game is a boon for Shels after they lost 3-2 in the previous round to Sherriff YC. The non-league side were found to have played an illegible player and were subsequently thrown out of the competition.

The FAI initially wanted to give Limerick a bye into the last four, but Shels won an appeal to have themselves reinstated into the FAI Ford Cup.

The hosts are likely to have an almost fully fit squad to choose from, with long-term injury victim David McGill the only definite absentee.

Shels manager Alan Mathews is likely to finalise his selection after a couple of late fitness tests.