Preview: Drogheda United vs St. Patrick’s Athletic

Table topper’s St Patrick’s Athletic take on last year’s champions Drogheda United in United Park on Friday night (kick-off 7:45pm). The Saints have gone unbeaten in the last five League games, however they did lose to U.C.D. in the League Cup in April, going down two goals to nil.

Despite this strong league record, Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin remains confident. "We've been playing really well in recent games, since Cork really, and we need to keep up that level of performance against St Pat's. We were very unlucky against Bray not to have won, even without the disallowed goal. I think if we can play to that same standard again, we have a great chance. We just need to start putting away those chances."

Dan Connor is still out injured, while both Shane Barrett and Declan O'Brien picked up knocks in the last week. But Guy Bates and Shaun Maher have returned to full training to boost the league champions' cause. Doolin said "Shaun and Guy are both in full training, but Declan and Shane both have knocks. Brian Shelley is 50/50."

The Drogheda manager also admitted that Pat's are the side to beat, but insists the league is far from over. "There's no denying they've had a great start. They've set the lead for other teams to follow again this year. But it's a long season and there are plenty of points up for grabs."

A number of players remain on the St Pat’s injury list including David Partridge, Joe O’Cearuill, Joseph Ndo, Jamie Harris, John Frost and Damien Lynch. Mark Quigley picked up a rib injury in Tuesday night’s u-23 International against Northern Ireland but should be fit to start.

John McDonnell is fully aware that United Park will be a difficult place to go. “We’ve injuries to a number of players at the moment but the lads who have come in have done very well. We’re confident of getting something out of the game but it will be a difficult one. United Park is never an easy place to go to and Drogheda no doubt will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat last week to Bray.”

Drogheda United vs. St Patrick’s Athletic kicks off at 7:45pm.