Drogheda United -v- Shelbourne

DROGHEDA UNITED

It’s a big week for the Boynesiders as they travel to Malmo on Wednesday still very much in with a chance of progressing to the Europa League second-round qualifier. They put together one of their best defensive performances of the season to hold Malmo to a 0-0 draw at Tallaght Stadium last Thursday.

But on Sunday afternoon Mick Cooke’s men will have to re-fix their focus on an under-performing Shelbourne. Speaking ahead of the game, Drogheda assistant manager Robbie Horgan remained very pragmatic about the tie ahead.

“There is a real buzz around the team again, following the win over Cork and then the good result on Thursday night. But the lads have known for a few weeks that we will have some important games between the European fixtures and tomorrow is certainly one of them.”

“We have been taking everything, one game at a time. We are all aware of the significance of Thursday, but tomorrow's game is also important. We all want three points and we need it to move back up the table so we won't be taking our eyes off the game,” he added.

 With the games coming thick and fast for Drogheda there is always bound to be a few casualties, Gary O’Neill and Stephen Quigley are rated as doubts ahead of the game and probably won’t feature while Philip Hand is in contention to return to the squad after a prolonged absence.

“We will have to utilise our squad over the next week, but we've always said that with the squad we have, no matter who we play, we won't be weakening the team and we know Shels won't be easy and we won't be taking them lightly.” 

Drogheda have already recorded a win over Shels this season when they won 3-1 at Tolka Park earlier on in the year.

SHELBOURNE

Since taking over as Shels boss, Johnny MacDonnell has revitalised the once doomed side, and they have recorded two big wins over relegation rivals in recent weeks.

However, they are still five points behind Bohemians and eight behind UCD as they look to move back up the table. Shels have also lost Philly Hughes to St Pats, however the once prolific striker didn’t really perform for The Reds this season and Dean Kelly is the top scorer with three goals.

Shels come into the game with a 1-1 friendly draw against English League One side Peterborough behind tham, and they come into this game on the back of a very credible 2-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers.

Jack Memery and Stephen Hurley will both be available having each served a one game suspension. However, former Drogheda midfielder Paul Crowley will miss out along with Shels top scorer Dean Kelly through injury.

Johnny Mac has added three new faces to the Shels squad, all of whom played in the 1-1 draw with Peterborough, Lee Murphy, Derek Doyle and Lee Murtagh all made the leap from non-league football to join the Tolka side and they are all available for selection tomorrow.

Referee: David McKeon

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United kept two clean sheets in their last two games, the first time they have managed this all season.

Shels have only won once away from home while Drogheda have only won twice at Hunky Dorys Park. However that away win did come against a team in the bottom half of the table.

Drogheda have won the last four meetings between the two sides.

BETTING

Drogheda United 4/6, Draw 13/5, Shelbourne 4/1.

PREDICTION

2-0 Drogheda United

Drogheda United

Injured: Eric Foley.

Doubtful: Gary O’Neill, Stephen Quigley.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Paul Crowley, Dean Kelly.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.