League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Derry City

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda will face Derry City on Monday night (7:45pm) with the aim of banishing all disappointment from Friday night’s defeat against Bohemians.

They had been putting some decent form together since Damien Richardson took over with Friday’s defeat being their first. The Boynesiders will be desperate to pick up all three points against the Brandywell club to ensure their ascension from the bottom section of the table.

Drogheda manager Damien has expressed his and the team’s disappointment of Friday night and their willingness to rid all of such disappointment against the Candystripes on Monday evening:

"We were all very disappointed with the level of our performance on Friday and we're glad a game is coming as quickly as Monday to give us an opportunity to wipe the misery away, so to speak.

He went on to give us an insight to how his squad is shaping up:

"We're missing a couple of senior players, key players, but that enables some of the younger players to step up. Even in adversity there's always opportunity and I'm looking forward to seeing how the younger players perform.

He continued on to speak of his concerns surrounding the squad as well as some uncertainty:

“We don't have enough experienced players, I think everyone recognises that, but the youngsters we have are talented although you never know how they are going to do when they step into the heat of the competition itself.”

Although he is going into the game rather cautiously regarding his squad issues, he is looking forward to the game and is fully aware of what the Derry team can do.

“Derry are a very attractive side and play good football in the tradition of the football club and having lost a couple of games, they, like ourselves, will be very eager to get back on the winning trail, which suggests that it's going to be a very competitive and entertaining game."

The available pool of players will be without Stephen Maher who remains unavailable for at least a few more weeks along with Gavin Brennan and Gavan Holohan who are both suspended. However Mick Daly, who missed Friday’s defeat to Bohemians, will be assessed before the game and is likely to be available for selection.

DERRY CITY

Derry will travel to United Park with the prospects of regaining some league form after falling to two consecutive defeats. European football, at this stage, for the Candystripes is becoming a vague dream after losing crucial ground on the clubs above them.

The side will go into this game disappointed after missed chances in the games against both Shamrock Rovers and Cork City cost them dearly. Peter Hutton will be hoping for a quick turn round to give them one last as we come towards the end of the season.

Speaking to Highland Radio, Hutton explained his bitter disappointment of Friday night’s game against Cork.

"There are some positives to take, but it's very disappointing and frustrating that we didn't get something from the game……I thought we dominated for large parts of the game, but we just lacked that clinical edge.” The Derry manager said.

Looking towards the game at United Park, Hutton voiced his desperation to return home with all three points.

"It's imperative now that we get something from the Drogheda game. At the minute I would take an ugly win; all this nice, intricate, free-flowing football is great, but it doesn't get you points…...It's imperative that we get back to winning ways as quick as possible."

Ryan McBride and Barry Molly, who missed the game against Cork at the weekend, are again doubts for Monday’s game against Drogheda. Peter Hutton has Rory Patterson back from suspension however the striker is still troubled with an injury picked up against Shamrock Rovers and as a result is also a doubt.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Drogheda have lost six out of their 12 home games in the league thus far letting in 21 goals in the process. That is an average of 1.75 goals per game.

Derry have lost only four of their 11 games on the road in the league this season despite letting in a less than impressive 18 goals. An average of 1.64 goals per match.

The Candystripes’ top scorer this season has been Michael Duffy with a tally of 10 goals not far ahead of Drogheda’s top scorer Declan O’Brien who is sitting on 8 goals.

BETTING

Drogheda United 15/8; Draw 23/10; Derry City 13/10

PREDICTION

Derry haven’t been as clinical of late but I suspect Monday night to be their revival. I am going for a 2-0 Derry win.

Drogheda United

Injured: Stephen Maher
Doubtful: Mick Daly (Ankle)    
Suspended: Gavin Brennan, Gavan Holohan  

Derry City

Injured: None
Doubtful: Ryan McBride, Barry Molloy, Rory Patterson
Suspended: None