League Preview: Derry City -v- Drogheda United

DERRY CITY

Derry will host Drogheda United in their second home game this season on Friday night in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division (Kick off: 7:45pm). The hosts have not made a great start to their campaign thus far winning only one out of their first four league games. However, they will pinpoint Friday’s game as a real opportunity to put valuable points on the board.

Derry boss, Peter Hutton gave his account of Tuesday’s night’s events for both his side and Friday’s opponents.

“I think just last Tuesday night this will be another tough game, in fact they will all be tough games in the league this season.

“Drogheda come into the game after getting a good point at home to Limerick on Tuesday night a game which they had to play with ten men from the 30th minute, so they will have a boost of confidence.

“We had a decent performance against St Pats but got hit with two goals that we didn’t really deal with. The first goal was a great finish but very optimistic. We had a couple of chances but just didn’t show a cutting edge in front of goal.”

Hutton is wary of Drogheda but is optimistic that his side can pick up three valuable points.

“We must put Tuesdays game behind us and concentrate on Friday night’s game, Drogheda possess a couple of major threats, the likes of Daryl Kavanagh and Sean Thornton to name just two, but we know what we need to do and if we perform to the level we know we can we should come away with three points.”

Peter Hutton has a serious problem regarding injuries coming into Friday night’s matchup. Shaun Kelly, Dean Jarvis, Gerard Doherty, Philip Lowry and captain Ryan McBride are all doubtful ahead of kickoff with Stephen Dooley definitely out. However, Derry will be happy to see the return of winger Mark Timlin who served his suspension on Tuesday night.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda will make the trip north-west with the hope of maintaining their solid start so far. The visitors have seven points from the first four games and will be confident of gaining a positive result at the Brandywell.

Drogheda manager, Johnny McDonnell giving his take Drogheda’s campaign so far, had this to say: “The most important thing for us is to take points off the teams around us, once we do that, we’ll be ok.

“I think had we kept everyone on the pitch we would have gone to win the game but it wasn’t to be. I’m happy enough with where we are at and seven points from the first four games is a good start.”

McDonnell also says that he knows just how hard it is to travel up to Derry and come away with a positive result.

“I don’t think Derry have had the best of starts but Peter has a good squad of players at his disposal. The Brandywell has always been a difficult place to go but we will go there determined to get something out of the game.”

Drogheda will be without Alan Byrne for Friday’s clash after his sending off while the former Shels boss admits that he is not overly sure that the referee made the right call on the day.

“Alan says he got the ball and I’m not sure if the referee had the clearest of views. I was surprised that he gave the decision considering that the linesman on that side signalled for a corner.

“Alan is a big loss for the game tomorrow night but his absence will give someone else the chance to step up.”

The Drogs will also be waiting on the fitness of Sean Thornton who scored the equaliser on Tuesday but also picked up a knock during the fixture.

“It was a great goal from Sean and shows exactly what kind of quality he has. I thought he was excellent on Tuesday but unfortunately he had to come off with a tight hamstring and that looks like keeping him out of action for a few days.”

The Drogs side will be without, Alan Byrne who is suspended with both Neil Yadolahi and Sean Thornton both doubtful to play a part.

Referee: Robert Rogers

MATCH STATS

Derry have only won one game so far this season.

The two sides shared the spoils over the three games last season, both winning one with the other a draw.

Derry won their two home fixtures against Drogheda last season, in all competitions.

BETTING

Derry City 5/6; Draw 23/10; Drogheda United 7/2

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-1 Drogheda

Derry City

Injured:Stephen Dooley.

Doubtful:Shaun Kelly, Dean Jarvis, Ryan McBride, Gerard Doherty, Philip Lowry.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful:Neil Yadolahi (thigh), Sean Thornton (hamstring).

Suspended: Alan Byrne.