Drogheda United -v- Cork City
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Bottom of the table host 2nd placed Cork City at United Park tomorrow night, with both teams needing a win for very different reasons. The Leesiders travel to Louth knowing that a victory is a must to keep the pressure on Bohemians after last Friday’s tie between the two ended in a 1-0 win for the champions. Drogheda, meanwhile, could close the gap to ninth place to just a point with a win. They’ve improved greatly over the past few weeks with only one defeat in four. That loss against the was heart-breaking for Alan Matthews and co as they conceded in the final seconds as it looked like an excellent morale boosting point would be added to their tally.
This game will see Paul Doolin returning to United Park for the first time in the away dressing room, as Alan Matthews also faces his former club Cork for the second time. So much has changed at both clubs recently and though both are still in precarious positions off the field, they couldn’t be more different on it. Both sides met in Turner’s Cross back at the beginning of April and the Leesiders won thanks to a single goal from Denis Behan.
Cork have doubts over Joe Gamble who picked up a knock early-on in the Bohs game at the weekend, while Robert Mezeckis, Shane Duggan and Davin O’Neill will all miss out. Some good news for the Rebels is that Pat Sullivan returns from suspension, though Neal Horgan’s return on Friday night was very impressive. The Rebels suffered their first loss in eleven games against the champions on Friday, but Doolin was far from despondent. “We’ve been on a decent run but of course it was disappointing, we wanted to stay on top of the league on our own whether that was three points or six points. It’s far from disastrous and we’re still joint top of the league. I feel it’s still very early,” said the Cork boss.
Drogs also have injury worries over Jamie Duffy who missed a full weeks training after picking up a knock against Bohs. Robbie Farrell is still out, while JP Kelly and Mark Duggan have left club. There are some positives for Drogs though as the injury list has been shortened. Matthews said: “Robbie Martin, Shane Barrett, and Paul Crowley, have all returned from injury over the last few weeks, and are building up their match fitness. It’s very important getting players like them back, as we have a more settled side. It always helps when your side is as settled as possible, and also gives us the luxury of ‘multi-options’ for each position, something which I haven’t been able to say too often this season.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Cork should get back to winning ways but it won’t be easy. 1-2.
This game will see Paul Doolin returning to United Park for the first time in the away dressing room, as Alan Matthews also faces his former club Cork for the second time. So much has changed at both clubs recently and though both are still in precarious positions off the field, they couldn’t be more different on it. Both sides met in Turner’s Cross back at the beginning of April and the Leesiders won thanks to a single goal from Denis Behan.
Cork have doubts over Joe Gamble who picked up a knock early-on in the Bohs game at the weekend, while Robert Mezeckis, Shane Duggan and Davin O’Neill will all miss out. Some good news for the Rebels is that Pat Sullivan returns from suspension, though Neal Horgan’s return on Friday night was very impressive. The Rebels suffered their first loss in eleven games against the champions on Friday, but Doolin was far from despondent. “We’ve been on a decent run but of course it was disappointing, we wanted to stay on top of the league on our own whether that was three points or six points. It’s far from disastrous and we’re still joint top of the league. I feel it’s still very early,” said the Cork boss.
Drogs also have injury worries over Jamie Duffy who missed a full weeks training after picking up a knock against Bohs. Robbie Farrell is still out, while JP Kelly and Mark Duggan have left club. There are some positives for Drogs though as the injury list has been shortened. Matthews said: “Robbie Martin, Shane Barrett, and Paul Crowley, have all returned from injury over the last few weeks, and are building up their match fitness. It’s very important getting players like them back, as we have a more settled side. It always helps when your side is as settled as possible, and also gives us the luxury of ‘multi-options’ for each position, something which I haven’t been able to say too often this season.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Cork should get back to winning ways but it won’t be easy. 1-2.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile