League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Drogheda United

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SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne will be back in at home for their next league game this bank holiday Monday as they welcome Drogheda United to Tolka Park (kick-off 7.45 pm).

The Reds will be looking to get three points for the first time since their 3-0 win away to Sligo Rovers and put an end to their scoring drought.

Going into the game in Dublin, Shelbourne sits in fifth place on 26 points, six points ahead of Kevin Doherty’s side.

Shels are currently on a run of three games without a goal with scoreless draws against both Derry City and Bohemians in their last two games after a 1-0 home loss to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Damien Duff’s men picked up a good point with a 0-0 draw at the Brandywell, despite Shane Farrell having his spot-kick saved by Brian Maher.

Although Shels had the best chance to win the game, the Candystripes dominated the game and were unlucky to take all three points.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United suffered yet another closely run affair at home on Friday against Cork City, which resulted in the travelling side bringing all three points back to the Rebel county.

A long clearance from Josh Honohan to Tunde Owolabi created panic between Colin McCabe and his centre-back pairing, allowing Owolabi to pass the ball into an empty net.



Drogheda United created enough chances to win the game and will be disappointed not to have taken at least a point from this game.

A long-range effort from Ryan Brennan in the first half was a sign of intent by the Louth side, but Brennan’s strongly struck shot sailed by Jimmy Corcoran in the Cork City goal.

Freddie Draper created space for himself in the Cork City box late in the second half as he bullied his marker to turn his shot over the bar for Drogheda’s best chance of the game.

This result halted the Boynesiders' winning form after winning the two previous matches, a 3-1 win at home to UCD and an unexpected 2-1 win away to Shamrock Rovers.

Referee: Sean Grant

 



MATCH STATS

Both of the previous fixtures between these two teams ended in a draw with a scoreless draw on the opening day of the season in Tolka Park and a 1-1 draw in Weaver’s Park on Mayday.

Both Shelbourne and Drogheda have struggled in front of goal this season scoring just 16 goals in 18 games. The only team with fewer goals in the division is UCD.

While they haven’t been prolific in front of goal, Shelbourne has the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 11 goals in the league while keeping clean sheets in half of their games.

BETTING

Shelbourne 10/11, Draw 23/10, Drogheda United 14/5.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-0 Drogheda United

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Kian Leavy, Paddy Barrett

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Evan Weir, Darragh Noone, Warren Davis

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Ryan Brennan

 

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