League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Derry City

Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty

Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United welcome Derry City to Weavers Park on Friday night knowing a win could nudge them further past basement side Dundalk (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders are currently four points ahead of the Lilywhites and with Jon Daly’s men facing Bohemians at home on the same night – they know how important the visit of Derry is.

And Drogs come into the game off the back of a win and draw last weekend against Bohs and Galway United respectively.

But they have failed to beat Derry in any of the last five competitive meetings between the two teams.

The games so far this season have seen Derry win twice at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, while the game at Weavers Park in April ended in a 2-2 draw after a late equaliser by Frantz Pierrot.

The Boynesiders come into this game following a scoreless draw at home to Galway United on Monday, a result which followed up a 1-0 win over Bohemians last Friday.

In team news, Zishim Bawa remains ruled out through injury while Matthew O’Brien is doubtful having missed the last two games with a knock.

DERRY CITY

Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins has told his side to enjoy the pressure of being involved in a title race.



The Candystripes are second and just three points behind league leaders Shelbourne.

But they drew on their last visit to Drogheda United earlier this season and Higgins is expecting a battle against the relegation-threatened side.

“We're enjoying the ride and hopefully we can put in another decent performance now on Friday and pick up three points at a really difficult venue,” he told Derry Now.

“All the games have been really tight. There's been a lot of draws over the last couple of years, so we know we need to put in a good display and a good performance if we want to try and win the game.”

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

 



PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2-1 Derry City

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Zishim Bawa.

Doubtful: Matthew O’Brien.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

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