Treaty United Welcome Runaway Leaders Shelbourne to the Markets Field

Treaty United welcome league leaders and unbeaten Shelbourne to the Markets Field this evening in the Airtricity League First Division (7.45). Shels are 11 points clear of second placed Galway United with Treaty a further place back due to an inferior goal difference.

It is fair to say that it has been as close to a dream start to life in Airtricity League football as you are possibly going to get at this level with Treaty currently 7 points clear of both Athlone and Cabinteely in 6th and 7th. Tommy Barrett’s charges will be full of confidence heading into the encounter after last week’s massive 2-3 away victory over Cork City at Turners Cross.

On the balance of play, the home side deserved at least a point from the game but an injury-hit Treaty side showed the character they have become known for this season to overturn a 2-1 half-time deficit with goals from Kieran Hanlon and Joe Collins earning the victory.

Opponents Shelbourne are still unbeaten this season and were 1-0 winners over a plucky Cabinteely side at Tolka Park in a relatively underwhelming display in comparison with recent high standards. The home side will take confidence from the fact that they are the last side to take any points off Shelbourne in league action in April.

Treaty took the lead through a Kieran Hanlon strike before two late goals from Ryan Brennan and Yoyo Mahdy looked to have stolen at least a point. However, a late Clyde O’Connell strike with the last kick of the kick of the game earned a point for the Limerick based side.

It was one of Treaty’s best performances of the season but one of the star performers on the evening was Sean McSweeney who looks likely to miss out this week through injury. He will be joined on the sideline by long-term absentees Aaron Fitzgerald and Conor Melody and there are still doubts over Joel Coustrain and Dean George.

Mark Walsh made a welcome return as a last-minute substitute against Cork last week although it is unlikely he will make the starting team tonight. If he is selected, Walsh will be re-acquainted with Michael O’Connor whose challenge resulted in the Tipperary man’s broken jaw.

Sporting Limerick soccer analysts Noel and Jason O’Connor previewed the game this week and the former had this to say.

“It is a free shot and it will be interesting to see how they approach it. As Tommy pointed out, the last team to take points from Shelbourne is Treaty. In fairness to Shelbourne, they certainly have the winning habit but Treaty are at home. The fact that Shelbourne aren’t free scoring at the moment will certainly give Treaty a chance.”

Sporting Limerick will have team news prior to kick off which will be aired on our Facebook page and we will have updates throughout on our Twitter account @SportLK. The game will also be shown live on LOI TV.