Bohemians -v- Drogheda United

BOHEMIANS

Second from bottom Bohemians will take on Drogheda United in the Airtricity Premier League at Dalymount Park on Friday night (kick off 7.45.p.m)

The Gypsies hopes of surviving in the top flight of Irish football were boosted by last week's 3-1 win away to Bray Wanderers.

Defenders Derek Pender and Luke Byrne are both suspended for Friday night's game. New signing Anto Murphy may well start in the centre of defence. Ciaran Nangle is likely to return to the left side of the defence. However  Shane Murray (ankle injury) may not be available.

Stepehen Doran, who recently returned to Dublin and who has been training with Bohs for the past month after spending four years in the United States may play some part.

Caretaker manager Owen Heary told the Bohemians website that he wants to see his side set a similar intensity from the start of the match to the one which they set against Bray last Friday.
 

“We will have to start the game again at high intensity and keep that up. The players showed they could do that against Bray. We saw Karl Moore set the tone early on. He tackled back a few times as well as pressing the opposition high up the pitch”.
 

“But from Dean [Delaney, in goal] right up through the team, all the players put in their shift,” said Heary.

 

DROGHEDA UNITED

Eighth placed Drogheda United will play their first competitive game in 12 days. They have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six league and cup games. Last time out Drogheda drew 2-2 with UCD in the league on July 14th.
 

Manager Mick Cooke has some slight injury concerns ahead of the trip to Phibsboro. Alan Byrne, Alan McNally and Declan O'Brien are all doubtful for the game. Eric Foley is still out while Michael Daly is suspended for the match.
 

Cooke told the Drogheda United website that the 12 day break has done his team no harm at all.

“The break has been good for the team, the players took full advantage. We had a hectic schedule and I felt we put in a lot of good performances, but just didn't get the rewards that we deserved, but the players have had a chance now to rest and re-focus and we are all looking forward to getting back to action tomorrow night.”
 

The Drogheda boss also revealed that he is aiming to get back to  the top half of the table “There is pressure on every game, obviously with Bohs and Shels winning things are tightening up down there, but that doesn't change what we need to go out and do. We will be looking to get the win tomorrow night and hopefully that will put us on a good run and we can move into the top half of the table” added Cooke.


Referee: Robert Rogers

 

MATCH STATS

The last time that the two sides met Drogheda beat Bohemians 3-0 in the FAI Cup on May 31st.

Bohemians defender Ciaran Nangle won a first division title with UCD in 2009.

Drogheda United striker Declan O'Brien scored 76 league goals in his first spell for the club.

 

BETTING

Bohemians 2/1, Draw 11/5, Drogheda United 13/10.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-1 Drogheda United.

 

Bohemians
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Shane Murray.
Suspended: Luke Byrne, Owen Heary and Derek Pender.

 

Drogheda United
Injured: Eric Foley.
Doubtful: Alan Byrne, Alan McNally and Derek O'Brien.
Suspended: Michael Daly.