Drogheda United -v- Limerick FC

DROGHEDA UNITED

The Boynesiders host Limerick in their first home game since the start of June, kick-off 7:45pm.

In the last month side their 0-0 draw with Shels at Hunky Dorys Park, Drogheda have played in Sweden, Northern Ireland and at various Dublin venues as the exodus looks set to end.

The last time Limerick travelled to Drogheda, an explosive encounter ensued. Four goals, three penalties and two red-cards saw Lims manager Stuart Taylor sent-off and the sides shared a 2-2 draw.

Drogheda are coming into the game with a renewed sense of belief having recorded their first win in a long time on Monday night. The Boynesiders put in a comprehensive performance to beat Derry City 3-1 at the Brandywell and book their place in their second final of the season and their second successive EA Sports Cup final.

Mick Cooke will be without Gary O’Neill while arguably man of the match against St Pats, Graham Rusk is a doubt for the match. Eric Foley remains out, but is making progress in his recovery and will be fit in 2-3 weeks.

Speaking ahead of the game Drogheda manager Mick Cooke was looking forward to the game and is also aware of the opportunity it presents, “There's six points between us, but we have a game in hand, Friday night is a big chance to close that gap and move us back up the table.  Our goal difference isn't too bad against the teams around us. ”

LIMERICK FC

Stuart Taylor is adamant that his Limerick side “owe Drogheda one”, a rather rash sentiment to be issuing considering his dismissal at Hunky Dorys Park in the second game of his Limerick career.

Since that night Taylor has guided Lims to a top half-position and a win over Cork City last Friday was a big boost to his chances of finishing in a possible Setanta Cup spot, if the competition exists next season.

Lims travel to Drogheda on the back of a 2-1 win at home to Cork, a win which put three points between them and the Leesiders and also ended Tommy Dunne’s reign at the helm of Cork City. Limerick have yet to beat Drogheda this season and it’s something of a motivational factor for Taylor.

“I think without a shadow of a doubt it’s one team that we owe one to. I think the way circumstances unfolded in Drogheda last time” Taylor told the Press this week, “we did deserve to get three points but it wasn’t to be, and also the way that we never played, at Thomond Park against them. We certainly owe ourselves and we owe the supporters. We also owe Drogheda and no matter what way you look at it, we must go for a win."

Stuart Taylor is boosted by the return of Axel Bossekota from suspension, ironically the other member of the Limerick squad to be dismissed on that night in Drogheda. However, he will have to deal without Shane Tracy who has been added to the long-term injury list along with Pat Purcell and Steven McGann. Dave O’Leary and Shaun Kelly are also suspended for the trip.

Referee: Thomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Droghdea are unbeaten in their last six domestic games, however their last league win came at Thomond Park

Limerick’s last five league games have seen them win two, draw one and lose two.

Declan O’Brien’s brace against Derry on Monday night was his sixth of the season.

BETTING

Drogheda United 6/5, Draw 11/5, Limerick 11/5

PREDICTION

Some entertaining football followed by three points to Drogheda in a 2-0 win

Drogheda United

Injured: Gary O’Neill, Eric Foley

Doubtful: Graham Rusk

Suspended: None

Limerick FC

Injured: Shane Tracy, Pat Purcell, Steven McGann

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Dave O’Leary and Shaun Kelly