Scully predicts ‘explosive’ encounter

LIMERICK FC manager Pat Scully is predicting an “explosive” encounter when the Super Blues host high-flying Shelbourne at Jackman Park on Friday night (7.45pm).
During the final series of games last season the Super Blues earned a one-all draw at Tolka Park and in the process denied Shelbourne promotion to the Premier Division.
Additionally to that Pat Scully feels that the personal differences which exist between him personally and Shelbourne manager Dermot Keely could also add to the spectacle.


“We’ve been playing well and I think Friday night’s game will have a real edge to it. I think it could be explosive,” Pat Scully told Leader Sport on Monday evening.
“With what happened at the end of last season there was always going to be a rivalry between both clubs, but there’s also a personal issue between myself and Dermot Keely. Dermot was manager at Shelbourne when I was playing there and he is obviously carrying a grudge against me since then. I’ve no problem with him, but he obviously has one with me.
“It’s a shame he carries that bitterness around with him, Dermot has made a lot of petty digs at me over the years and that should add to Friday’s game. A real grudge match - I hope the supporters enjoy it.”
Pat Scully, who lost his first game in charge of Limerick FC on March 27 to Shels (0-1) at Tolka Park, hopes that Thomas Lyons, Brian O’Callaghan, Jamie Wunsch and Jason Hughes can shake off minor knocks before Friday’s game.
Scully will also be able to call on Shane Clarke who was cup-tied for last weekend’s game against St. Pat’s which the Super Blues were very unlucky to lose (0-1).
“It’s important that we keep playing as well as we have been,” explained Pat Scully.
“We’ve been unlucky in a few games, but if we keep playing well we will start to get the results we deserve. We must keep focused and keep the standard up. I’m very happy, fitness-wise, with the players and we’re now capable of playing at the tempo I want the team playing at. We’re not a million miles off putting a really good run of results together.”
Super Blues supporters will also be relieved to hear that the financial problems which currently overshadow the club will not impede his players’ preparations for the clash with Shelbourne.
“There were a few reports in the papers on Friday morning regarding the financial situation,” added Pat Scully, “but that didn’t affect us against St. Pat’s in the cup game.
“It’s not an issue as far as we are concerned. No one is owed anything, we’ve a job to do and we will go out and do it. With all the rumours going around it would be nice for people to come out and support the lads.
“It’s important that we row in together and present a united front.
“I think that would give everyone in the club a great lift.”
Right now Limerick trail league leaders UCD by 12 points.
Shels are a mere point behind the Students, but hold a game in hand over their Dublin rivals. Indeed, Shelbourne could now be top of the league, but for the unfortunate postponement of their clash with Finn Harps, due a heavily sanded pitch, on May 1. Shelbourne have only been beaten in the league twice this season against UCD and Sporting Final. Since losing to Sporting Fingal on April 17 Shelbourne have played six league games and won five.

Brian McDonnell