Drogheda United -v- Bohemians

DROGHEDA UNITED

The Boynesiders are entering a crucial eight days in their season as a Setanta Cup final looms on the horizon. But first up for Drogheda is a league meeting with Aaron Callaghan’s Bohemians. The game will offer Mick Cooke a first-hand look at his FAI Ford Cup opponents. 

Drogheda are unbeaten in the league since their first night loss to St Pats at Richmond Park and they most recently salvaged a 2-2 draw away to Sligo Rovers when Graham Rusk scored a 95th minute equaliser to break The Bit O’Red’s heart. 

The strength and depth of Mick Cooke’s squad will be tested to its limits over the next three days as Drogheda are carrying several doubts into Friday night. Alan Byrne and Derek Prendergast are struggling with knocks picked up away to Sligo while Ryan Brennan is a major doubt with an ankle injury. Cathal Brady is another who isn’t certain to be fit. 

Drogheda managed a 4-1 win over Bohemians in their last meeting which was the final game of last season. But the Drogheda manager doesn’t expect an easy game on Friday night. 

“Results over the last week have shown that there are no easy games in this league when you see UCD beating Shamrock Rovers. Bohemians will be coming to us with a lot of confidence and we are carrying a few injuries so the starting XI will have to keep their eye on the game. We can’t afford any slips in concentration.”

However the manager does bemoan the fact that there is a tight schedule of games coming up “It’s going to be an interesting weekend for the shape of the league as all the top teams will be playing each other, it’s just a pity there’s such a need to pack so many games in such a short space of time.”

BOHEMIANS

Aaron Callaghan will bring a slightly depleted squad to Drogheda, but what they lack in bodies they won’t lack in confidence having held St Pats to a 1-1 draw in their last game. 

The Gypsies can move to within a solitary point of Drogheda with a win which would put them in an excellent position for the start of the second series of games. 

Bohemians secured their point last Monday with 19-year-old Conor O’Brien making his league debut, and 19-year-old Andy Mulligan starting for just the second time this season.

Callaghan has now started 22 players from his squad and it is likely he will have to draw on more, as Stephen Paisley has left the squad due to work commitments outside football and Darragh Hanaphy is on a temporary break also due to work commitments.

For Friday, Owen Heary (knee) remains sidelined, while Derek Pender (bruised ribs) and Dave Scully (hamstring) face late fitness tests before Friday’s game.

Speaking ahead of the game Callaghan said that his side need to remain focused on their own game, rather than worry about the opposition. 

“We’ve got to respect them and we’ll do our usual analysis on how they are playing but we have to concentrate on our own performance and on our shape,” said Callaghan. “We’re getting more players forward, which has certainly helped us. We looked dangerous on the break against Pat’s. As much as they had chances to win it, we definitely had one or two chances to nick it,” he added.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

The Boynesiders have only lost one home game in all competitions this season, that being a Leinster Senior Cup tie to Wayside Celtic. 

Bohs failed to beat Drogheda in any of their four meetings last season. They had one draw with three defeats. 

BETTING

Drogheda United 4/6, Draw 23/10, Bohemians 9/2.

PREDICTION

Bohs are playing some good football, but Drogheda should prove too strong 2-0 to the home side.

Drogheda United

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Ryan Brennan, Alan Byrne, Cathal Brady, Derek Prendergast.
Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Owen Heary.
Doubtful: Derek Pender, Dave Scully.
Suspended: None.