"It's a great opportunity," says UCD manager Martin Russell, in reference to the Club's last minute participation in the Setanta Cup with the first leg of the First Round Tie against Lisburn Distillery being as soon as next
Monday evening. Russell's still smiling even though his pre-season schedule has been catapulted into competitive match mode and, with the UCD Bowl unavailable, the game has been switched to Dalymount, kick off 7.45pm.
The news from the treatment room is not the best either, with Robbie Benson, just voted the best young footballer in the country with the award of FAI Schools Player of the Year on Sunday, unlikely to make the squad through injury. Former Athlone team mate Tom O'Halloran is also unfit whilst Spanish defender Yael Haro, ex Drogheda United, who signed on Wednesday, must wait to see whether his registration will come through in time to be considered. Another newcomer, former Under 17 international Dean Marshall, and Darren Meenan, who has returned to UCD after a spell with Sligo Rovers, should be available. At least Marshall would be on familiar territory after a spell with Bohs.
Monday's game will see a swift reunion with his former UCD team mates for Distillery keeper Billy Brennan as the Irish League side, thanks to successful cup runs and postponements due to the recent snow, are set to play their fifth game in thirteen days.
Part time football in the present climate is far from easy.
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