Reds need to push on following big win

The value of Corinthian’s midweek win over Pembroke will become more apparent on Saturday for both the reds and Glenanne tomorrow as both face testers.

Pembroke have a day off due to UCD exams meaning Corinthian can move four points clear at the top but, in Monkstown, face a key fixture if they are to make a concerted charge to the title.

Brian Doherty exited the Whitechurch stage early on Wednesday night with the remnants of a chest infection meaning Ben Murphy stepped admirably into the back four for 40 minutes. Doherty, though, should be fit to play a greater part in the action.

David Carson stole the headlines against his former club but will find Cian Speers and Stephen Cole motivated opponents; along with Murphy the quartet formed part of the St Andrews’ All-Ireland schools winners in October 2008.

The Town will hope to have some goals left in the tank from last week’s defeat of Avoca and need the points to approach the summit of what looks a three-way battle for two potential IHL spots with Three Rock and YMCA. Andy Ewington is a doubt with a neck injury while Andrew Ward has a wrist injury to contend with. How Matt Fairweather (right) deals with compatriot Darren Kimfley could be a crucial factor.

The Y, meanwhile, have Todd Gill back in the fold, marking his comeback from injury at left-back last weekend with a stunning strike against Navan. David Robinson was absent that day but they could do with his guile as Glenanne are the visitors to Milltown.

It’s been an up and down week for the Tallaght side, losing to Pembroke before getting a reprieve of sorts on Wednesday. Six league games between now and January 17 will define their domestic season as they catch up on a spate of back matches.

As Pembroke found, such runs are tricky to negotiate especially with battles against Corinthian, Three Rock, Monkstown and a trip to Fingal coming thick and fast.

At the bottom end, it’s now or never time for Clontarf. Defeat at Grange Road last week was not critical but the manner certainly could prove demoralising for Harrold de Jong’s men.

By contrast, the Park Avenue youngster’s ability to compete with league leaders Corinthian will provide a lift as teenagers Kevin Wong and David McCarthy both netted first senior goals last weekend.

Nonetheless, the game offers an intriguing clash of styles as by virtue of differing methods of counter-attack – the Bulls quick over the ground, Railway via aerial bombardment. A series of injuries, though, mean Clontarf are in a far from ideal position. New signing Brian McMahon misses out on a division one debut through injury.

He joined the club from Skerries at the start of the month after returning from his work at sea but, after a couple of seconds games, is now on a list of unavailable players with Brendan Dempsey, Ciaran McNamara, Stephen Ludgate and Dan Treacy. Rob Abbott is a doubt and Rob Kelly has work commitments.

The final game sees Three Rock already play their 13th league game of the season – barring an increase in the light coating of snow currently at Grange Road – against Fingal. The injury list is going the opposite ways in both clubs with the absentee list at Rovers reducing while Fingal’s is on the rise.

Dave Bane played through the pain barrier last week as cover was in short supply as a series of niggles affect Gerry Wheeler’s men. For Rovers, Gavin Bourke and Kyle Good are long-term misses but the rest of the panel is in tact.

Bray and Weston's Mills Cup tie has been postponed until the New Year.

Men's Leinster Division One (Saturday):
TRR vs Fingal, 1pm, Grange Road; Corinthian vs Monkstown, 2.30pm, Whitechurch; YMCA vs Glenanne, 1pm, Milltown; Clontarf vs Railway Union, 3pm, Mount Temple

Mills Cup second round:
Bray vs Weston - postponed