Team News | O’Brien’s Men Ready for Dublin Derby Double Header | OneFootball

The Reds return to Tolka Park this Friday, 6 March, to host St Patrick’s Athletic in the first Dublin Derby of the season for Joey O’Brien’s men. Kick‐off is at 8pm and a capacity crowd is expected.

The Reds come into the game on the back of a strong display in Drogheda, where they came from behind and earned a deserved victory.

It’s never an easy place to turn a game around, the last team to come from behind and win there was Shelbourne FC in 2023 but Joey O’Brien’s side were successful to register their first win of the season.

Speaking to ShelsTV after training, O’Brien provided a squad update: “We’re still carrying a few knocks. Strength and depth in the squad is really important, and we have that. Lads will be called on, and when they are, they need to take their chance.”

Reflecting on last week’s performance, the manager was pleased with the desire within the group to turn the game around. “The second half was excellent. We showed great character. It’s not easy to come from behind in Drogheda, and the lads did exactly what was needed. We controlled the game and earned all three points.”

Turning attention to Friday’s opposition, O’Brien knows the challenge St Patrick’s Athletic pose: “St Pats are a really good side. They’re dangerous on the attack and have real quality across the pitch. It’ll be a great game, this is what the league is all about.”

The Reds will also be back in action on Monday night as Tolka Park hosts another Dublin Derby with Shamrock Rovers, completing a double‐header of Dublin derbies in quick succession.

“We’re aware our return from the Friday‐Monday games last year wasn’t great,” O’Brien said. “We’re prepared, we know what’s ahead of us, and we’re looking forward to both games. These are the fixtures everyone wants to play in.”

With only one home match so far this season, O’Brien expects a special atmosphere at Tolka Park: “A Dublin derby under the lights at Tolka is always exciting. I expect both sets of fans to be right up for it.”