Despite hopes of promotion having already been dashed courtesy of the FAI’s new restructuring plans, there is still lots to play for in UCD’s upcoming tie, as a result away to Longford would mathematically guarantee a 3rd place finish for The Students at the expense of ‘The Town’. If this season’s form is anything to go by, the omens are good for the visitors, with Longford having had rather indifferent form at home, losing 5 of their 12 games at Flancare Park. The hosts will be relying on top scorer David O’Sullivan to fire them to victory, and will be counting on big performances from other star players such as Kaleem Simon and former Wolves midfielder Kevin O’Connor. At the other end, our own Georgie Kelly, currently the league’s top scorer on 14 goals, will be looking to add to his tally, particularly with ex-teammate Kieran ‘Marty’ Walters not far behind on 12 goals for local rivals Cabinteely as the race for the golden boot hots up in the coming weeks. With both sides fresh from the international break, an entertaining tie is surely in store. The game kicks-off at 7.45 this Saturday, as always @UCDAFC will be on hand for twitter updates.
League top scorer Georgie Kelly is sure to have a big say in who takes the spoils in Saturday night’s tie.
In other news, our much revered under-19 side have been drawn against Norwegian side Molde FK in the prestigious UEFA Youth League competition. Having qualified by virtue of being crowned champions of last years Airtricity Under-19 League, UCD are one of just 32 teams around Europe to have qualified in this manner. Molde FK are a side steeped in history, with three Norwegian league titles to their name, and are currently managed by Manchester United legend Ole-Gunnar Solskjær. This is UCD’s first foray into Europe since the famous Europa League run of 2015 which saw Luxembourg outfit F91 Dudelange put to sword before eventual elimination by Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava. Details of the tie are yet to be announced but it is expected to be played by the end of September.
UCD AFC Alumni Watch:
‘The Sammon of College’ still struggling for goals in Glasgow.
UCD AFC’s finest product in recent times Conor Sammon has a point to prove this weekend. The Sammon of College has yet to get on the scoresheet since joining Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle on loan this summer, but will be looking to put that right this Friday as The Jags face Rangers. Elsewhere in Scotland, ex-student Gary Dicker’s Kilmarnock are still in search of their first win of the campaign, they are away to Aberdeen this weekend. While in sunnier climes, former under-19 player Ayman Ben Mohamed’s Esperance Tunis side are flying high in the Tunisian League, with three wins in three games, as they face a struggling Gabés side this Saturday.
Chris Foley – Sports Editor
