EA Sports Cup Preveiw - Derry City -v- Drogheda United

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be back in action on Monday evening as they face current EA Sports cup holders Drogheda United in the semi-finals of the competition. Having lost narrowly to Sligo Rovers on Friday evening the Candystripes will get a chance to get back to winning ways in a cup competition which they have won a record 10 times in the past, the last win coming in the Final against Cork City in 2011. 

So far this season the sides have meet twice in the league and twice in the Setanta Sports cup with Derry drawing one and winning one in the league, while a last minute goal by Ryan Brennan in the second leg of Setanta Sports cup quarter final was enough to see the Boynesiders into the semi-final of the competition.

Speaking ahead of the game Declan Devine was happy to have the opportunity to bounce back quickly after last week's defeat.

"We are really looking forward to this game especially after the disappointment of losing at home on Friday evening. Thankfully we have a chance to put that behind us and get back to winning ways straight away on Monday evening.

"This cup is very special for us at the club and we have a great chance of reaching another cup final, but we know that Drogheda will come here in good spirits after their result against St Pats on Friday night, and as we have seen already this season they will be very hard to beat.

"From our own point of view we can't dwell on Friday nights result to much and must show what we are capable of when we are at our best, and if we perform to the best of our ability I feel we will make it to yet another League cup final."

Derry City will be without the services of Stewart Greacen with a knee problem while Thomas Crawley is expected to take some part in the game.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Despite a difficult league campaign, Drogheda have had three impressive cup campaigns, reaching the Setanta Sports Cup final in May and through to the third round of the FAI Ford Cup. 

Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash, assistant manager Robbie Horgan was feeling positive.

“The lads were frustrated not to take all three points in Dalymount the week before last and went into Friday’s game against St. Pat’s in a very determined frame of mind. To come away with a point against the league leaders proves that we’re equal to any team on our day and the result has buoyed us up for tonight’s game. 

"We’ve played Derry four times already this season across all competitions and they’ve only beaten us once, thanks to an 86-minute goal. So we don’t fear them although we do respect them. I know Declan (Devine) will have them well drilled tonight and I know they are hungry for a cup but I hope that after Friday’s positives and as title-holders, we will have the edge needed to take us through.”

Drogheda will be without Gary O’Neill and Graham Rusk who are both injured.

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

Drogheda are the current holders of the EA Sports Cup.

Drogheda are on a run of four consecutive draws.

Rory Patterson of Derry City is presently the league's top scorer.

BETTING

Derry City 8/13  Draw 5/2  Drogheda United 7/2 

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 - 1 Drogheda United

Derry City

Injured: Stewart Greacen (knee).

Doubtful: Kevin Deery (knee), Ryan McBride (back).

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Gary O'Neill, Graham Rusk .

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None