LOI Preview: Dundalk looking to make up ground

There are just two games later in the Premier Division of the SSE Airtricity League, owing to this week's European action, and the switch to last night of the clash between UCD and Bohemians at Belfield.

Dundalk travel south for the Louth derby in excellent form, having dropped just six points in their last 10 games. Their haul of 24 points in that time has moved them up to second in the table, but the gap leaders Shamrock Rovers is still 10 points.

The Lilywhites do have two games in hand though, and they'll want to maintain their momentum and put up a real title challenge before the season is out.

Drogheda meanwhile are in a real no man's land in the table. They're 10 points clear of the relegation play-off place, but they're also 13 points off fourth place, and the potential for European soccer next season.

They're unlikely to be drawn into a proper battle to avoid the drop, unless Finn Harps can really start to find some form, but equally European qualification might already be beyond them.

In the night's other game, Shelbourne will be looking to put a terrible run of form behind them.

Damien Duff's charges have managed just one point from their last four games. Added to that, their record against Finn Harps is really poor this season. Two games, two defeats, four goals conceded, and not a goal scored.

Finn Harps are surely, even at this stage, heading for the promotion/relegation play-off. They're more likely to be caught by UCD, and their meetings with the Students - next month, and in late October - could still act to define their season.

The one recent bright spark in their campaign was a comeback, 2-2 draw with St Patrick's Athletic as they came from two-down late on to snatch the point, but it's one of just two from