National League: With a run of four wins having secured Shelbourne's grip on top spot in the Eircom Premier Division, Pat Fenlon expressed some weariness yesterday with criticisms of his team's performances since the start of the season.

"People keep saying we've been disappointing but we've lost one and won or drawn 19 so we must be doing something right," he said.

The Dubliners face some tough games over the next couple of weeks including this evening's game against St Patrick's Athletic and Monday's rescheduled visit by Bohemians.

"They're tough matches but we're starting to get to the stage now where the teams chasing need to win the games and that makes for more open contests which, I believe, will help us."

Fenlon has Richie Baker available again after a back strain although it is far from clear whether the under-21 international is fit enough to go back into the starting line-up. Kevin Doherty is also close to returning from a calf strain but the manager feels the defender is more likely to feature on Monday evening.

St Patrick's Athletic, who lie third after a run of seven games unbeaten, have leading scorer Tony Bird back from suspension.

Bohemians travel to Waterford where they will be looking for a win to maintain the pressure on Shelbourne ahead of Monday's game between the two teams.

"Waterford have had a couple of disappointing results over the last couple of weeks but that could make them all the more dangerous for us," says manager Stephen Kenny.

The champions are without Thomas Heary, Mark Rutherford and Jason McGuinness but Colin Hawkins may feature after the central defender trained yesterday for the first time since picking up a hamstring injury.

Jimmy McGeough is determined his side will end their poor run of form this evening although the Waterford boss insists it is just a little luck rather than any renewed determination his players need during the weeks ahead. "We're probably playing our best football now but not getting the results," he says.

Drogheda will seek their first win since Paul Doolin took over when they take on Longford Town at 0₂ Park this evening and it is expected the home team will be largely unchanged from the side that lost narrowly to Shelbourne at the start of the week.

Longford will again be without Shane Barrett but Brian Byrne and Darragh Sheridan may get the chance to prove their fitness this afternoon before Alan Matthews selects his starting line-up.