League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Bohemians

Drogheda United welcome Bohemians to Weavers Park for the second meeting between the sides this season on Friday with kick off at 7.45pm.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda will be hoping to avenge a 3-1 away loss to Bohemians at Dalymount Park earlier this season as they look for just their second home win this term.

Drogs enter the game following three away games in their last four with their only defeat in that run coming at home to a resurgent St Patrick’s Athletic.

They picked up a valiant 1-1 draw away to Sligo Rovers last weekend to lie seventh in the Premier Division table.

Drogheda have won just once in their last five league games, a superb 1-0 win away to title chasing Derry City.

In team news, the Boynesiders will be without Adam Foley and Ben Curtis while Evan Weir is a doubt.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians make the trip up the M1 looking for a response after losing 3-2 at home to St Patrick’s Athletic as they fell to a second home defeat in a row.

Despite losing two of their last three games, Bohs still remain top of the Premier Division courtesy of other results.

Despite being 3-1 down and reduced to ten men at half time, the Gypsies were unlucky not to complete a thrilling comeback with Dylan Connolly spurning a great chance moments after Dean Williams had halved the deficit.

It was an intense second half performance from the Phibsborough side and manager Declan Devine wants his charges to carry that intensity into what will be a rocking Weavers Park.

“We played at our levels in the second half. I don’t think there was anything surprising about that, that has to be the starting point,” he told Bohemianfc.com.

“That has to be the intensity we play at all the time whether it’s 10 men or 11 men or first half or second half. So the second half was pleasing, but it has to be the norm from the start.

“That kind of intensity has brought us a lot of joy this year. We have to understand that they are the levels we have to reach for every minute of every game.

“There were a lot of positives. The 15-minute period in the first half where we conceded the three goals has to be a once-off.

“It is something we have discussed and is something we have to take on board; that is the nature of this league. If you lose concentration, then it will cause you problems.

“We have hopefully learned from that. We have experienced it, and we have to make sure we don’t let it happen again.”

Speaking about tomorrow night’s opponents he was full of praise for Kevin Doherty’s troops.

“They are a very good side. They are a side that have impressed me this year. Even when we played them at home, we were fortunate to come out on the right side of the result.

“Especially at home, Kevin will have them really well drilled. They have a lot of experience in their team in Gary Deegan and Ryan Brennan. They have added a lot of exciting players, and Darragh Markey is a very talented boy.

“They are working really hard to get results, and have been really impressive in the opening series of games.

“We have discussed where we think we can have joy, and we have also discussed where they can hurt us.

“But we are going in with our eyes wide open – we are facing a difficult team at a difficult venue.”

Jordan Flores is suspended while Ali Coote and James Akintunde remain doubts having missed out last Friday.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH FACTS

Bohemians have had eleven different goalscorers this season.

Former Drog James Clarke will return to face his old side having joined Bohemians last summer.

Bohs have lost just once in five games to Drogheda, winning twice.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 0-2 Bohemians

Drogheda

Injured: Adam Foley, Ben Curtis.

Doubtful: Evan Weir.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: None,

Doubtful: Ali Coote, James Akintunde.

Suspended: Jordan Flores.