LOI preview: Duffer's 'family' face off against Pat's

Noel King marks his return to men's League of Ireland football for the first time in over two decades with a home game against Bohemians in Oriel Park this evening.

The appointment attracted derision from some, particularly those who harbour a negative impression of King from his time with the Republic of Ireland U21 side, though it's worth noting that he has recently guided Shelbourne to back-to-back Women's National League titles.

The man himself was surprised at his appointment, the decision being made by the club owner Brian Ainscough, King's former player at schoolboy level.

RTÉ soccer columnist Eoin Doyle has this morning written that the decision "smacks of nostalgia", while stressing there is "nothing inherently negative about Noel King or his capabilities."

Dundalk remain three points adrift at the bottom without a win to their name this season and tonight host a Bohemians side that have shot up the table with four wins from six since Alan Reynolds took over as manager.

Drumcondra witnesses the only Dublin derby of the evening. Shelbourne, still top of the table despite a wobble in the past fortnight, face a St Patrick's Athletic side struggling to replicate their form of last season.

Unbeaten until recently, Shels suffered successive defeats at home to Bohemians and away to Galway United, before digging in for a well-earned point at home to Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

The Hoops, with a game in hand on Shels and a superior goal difference, are at home to Galway United. It was in a televised encounter in Eamonn Deacy Park that Stephen Bradley's side secured their first win of the season after their now obligatory sluggish start. Johnny Kenny scored the game's only goal in the final 10 minutes.

Derry City recovered from