League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Longford Town

DROGHEDA UNITED

Fourth-placed Drogheda United host top of the table Longford Town at United Park on Friday evening (kick off 7:45pm).

Drogheda head into this game with three wins, against Wexford, Athlone Town and Cobh Ramblers, and a draw against Shelbourne in their last five games.

Tim Clancy’s side beat Cobh 4-1 in St. Colman’s Park last week thanks to a brace from Mark Doyle and goals from Stephen Meaney and Luke McNally.

That result saw the Boynesiders move up to fourth in the league, ahead of Bray Wanderers, who had beat Drogheda 3-0 the week previous thanks to a Dylan McGlade hat-trick at the Carlisle Grounds.

Drogheda remain without long term injury absentee Adam Wixted while Thomas Byrne and goalkeeper Paul Skinner are both doubtful as they continue their recoveries from injury.

LONGFORD TOWN

Neale Fenn will be hoping for a repeat of the scoreline from when these two sides met in March at the City Calling Stadium.

On that occasion, Fenn’s Longford side took all three points with a 3-0 win thanks to second-half goals from Dean Byrne, Aaron Dobbs and Peter Hopkins.

That was the second game of the season and gave Longford their first win of the season after playing out a scoreless draw with Limerick the previous week.

Since then, Longford have won a further five and drawn two more games to sit top of the league, unbeaten and with a game in hand.

Longford have no injury or suspension worries leaving Neale Fenn with a full squad to choose from.

Referee: Michael Connolly

MATCH STATS

Drogheda are the top scorers in the First Division so far this season, having found the net 18 times in 10 games.

Longford have the best defence in the league, conceding just two goals in nine games. Bray and Limerick have the next best defensive records, conceding eight in 10.

Longford took all three points with a 3-0 win when these sides played in March thanks to goals from Dean Byrne, Aaron Dobbs and Peter Hopkins.

BETTING

Drogheda United 7/5; Draw 11/5; Longford Town 8/5.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-1 Longford Town

Drogheda United

Injured: Adam Wixted.

Doubtful: Thomas Byrne, Paul Skinner.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.