LOI preview: Hoops and Dundalk seek change of fortunes

Shamrock Rovers are seeking a return to winning ways in the League of Ireland Premier Division tonight as Dundalk visit Tallaght Stadium for another televised game on RTÉ Sport [coverage starts at 7.35pm].

The Hoops had two bad defeats in the latter part of May to lowly Drogheda United and Cork City.

Three red cards in Turner's Cross caused considerable controversy and frustration, but events off-field took attention away from the result as Stephen Bradley was subjected to shocking abuse by a handful of people after the game.

It was a night to forget for Rovers, yet they received a boost 24 hours later when leaders Derry City were beaten in Sligo.

With 18 matches played – the exact halfway point in the year – Bradley’s side have accumulated 34 points. Last year they had 39 and seven-point lead over City.

Nevertheless, as Paul Corry pointed out on this week’s RTÉ Soccer Podcast, Bradley will be scratching his head how they are not further behind given it’s just a single point.

Richie Towell, Sean Hoare and Johnny Kenny ar eall suspended after seeing red in Cork, while Dylan Watts and Trevor Clarke remain injured.

Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell kept his players in the dressing-room for over an hour after defeat to 10-men St Patrick’s Athletic.

It has been a struggle for the Lilywhites – they are eight points worse off than 2022 in what has been a much more competitive division this campaign.

A European challenge remains their goal and it’s still within reach. Indeed eight points is the difference between them and top spot so all is not lost.

O’Donnell’s attempts to converse with the players in the Inchicore dressing-room was undoubtedly soul-searching to improve over the coming months.

They begin a Europa Conference League