Drogheda United -v- Dundalk
Credit:
County Louth welcomes another derby on Friday night as the FAI Cup threw their two league sides together in the fourth round draw. Drogheda United have home advantage as Mick Cooke and Ian Foster send their sides into battle, each hoping to secure a place in Round five. (Kick off, 7.45pm)
Drogheda enter this tie on the back of a bruising 4-0 defeat at the hands of St Patrick’s Athletic last weekend, despite having put together a decent run of form in recent weeks. They have taken seven points from the last twelve available following a mini resurrection that has transformed the club’s fortunes following an abysmal start to the season.
“Last Friday was a blip”, said Drogs boss Cooke, in reference to the defeat to St Pats. “It's hard to keep the momentum going with such a young and in-experienced club. But the Cup should be a different matter. It brings it's own joy and there should be a great atmosphere, especially considering it is a local derby. It would be nice to put a cup run together for the fans and i of course am quietly confident that we can turn them over. But I'm sure Ian Foster will be thinking the same”.
Dundalk, meanwhile, arrive at Hunky Dorys Park unbeaten in their last six league outings but, with five of those games having ended as draws, they will know that recent lost points have probably cost them a meaningful run in to their league campaign.
The two side last met in the league just two weeks ago when they played out a 2-2 draw at Hunky Dorys Park. Having taken an early lead Dundalk allowed their neighbours to go 2-1 in front before Jason Byrne bagged an equaliser 14 minutes from time. If anything, this result highlights the strides that Mick Cooke’s men have made since the early days of the season and indicates that Friday’s Cup game could go either way.
In terms of team selection, both managers have similar problems; Foster being without long term injury victims Eoghan Osborne and Stephen McDonnell, with Stephen Maher joining that list with a broken metatarsal. Mick Cooke is also short three of his players with Pater McMahon, Jack Flynn and Colm O’Brien all ruled out through injury.
Drogheda United
Injured: Peter McMahon, Jack Flynn, Colm O’Brien.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Dundalk
Injured: Eoghan Osborne, Stephen Maher, Stephen McDonnell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Damien Hancock.
Paddy Power Odds: Drogheda 10/3; Draw 9/4; Dundalk 5/6.
Extratime prediction: The home side to sneak it, 2-1.
Drogheda enter this tie on the back of a bruising 4-0 defeat at the hands of St Patrick’s Athletic last weekend, despite having put together a decent run of form in recent weeks. They have taken seven points from the last twelve available following a mini resurrection that has transformed the club’s fortunes following an abysmal start to the season.
“Last Friday was a blip”, said Drogs boss Cooke, in reference to the defeat to St Pats. “It's hard to keep the momentum going with such a young and in-experienced club. But the Cup should be a different matter. It brings it's own joy and there should be a great atmosphere, especially considering it is a local derby. It would be nice to put a cup run together for the fans and i of course am quietly confident that we can turn them over. But I'm sure Ian Foster will be thinking the same”.
Dundalk, meanwhile, arrive at Hunky Dorys Park unbeaten in their last six league outings but, with five of those games having ended as draws, they will know that recent lost points have probably cost them a meaningful run in to their league campaign.
The two side last met in the league just two weeks ago when they played out a 2-2 draw at Hunky Dorys Park. Having taken an early lead Dundalk allowed their neighbours to go 2-1 in front before Jason Byrne bagged an equaliser 14 minutes from time. If anything, this result highlights the strides that Mick Cooke’s men have made since the early days of the season and indicates that Friday’s Cup game could go either way.
In terms of team selection, both managers have similar problems; Foster being without long term injury victims Eoghan Osborne and Stephen McDonnell, with Stephen Maher joining that list with a broken metatarsal. Mick Cooke is also short three of his players with Pater McMahon, Jack Flynn and Colm O’Brien all ruled out through injury.
Drogheda United
Injured: Peter McMahon, Jack Flynn, Colm O’Brien.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Dundalk
Injured: Eoghan Osborne, Stephen Maher, Stephen McDonnell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Damien Hancock.
Paddy Power Odds: Drogheda 10/3; Draw 9/4; Dundalk 5/6.
Extratime prediction: The home side to sneak it, 2-1.
About Simon O'Gorman
Simon O'Gorman began reporting for Extratime in 2010. He remembers Milltown and Flower Lodge and, back in the mists of time, saw Diego Maradona play at Lansdowne Road. He now lives in Co Kildare and … View Full Profile