Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers
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Drogheda United welcome Shamrock Rovers to United Park on Friday night without a number of key players for the clash. (kick-off 19:45).
With Dan Connor still out long-term with a hip injury, and Jamie Ewings suspended, Finnish goalkeeper Mikko Vilmunen is expected to start, with new signing Paul Skinner on the bench. Richie Baker and Shane Barrett are both injured, while Brian Shelley and Shane Robinson are both doubts. Graham Gartland joins Ewings in the stand, suspended following his sending-off vs Bohemians last week.
United lost that game to Bohs, and manager Paul Doolin admits the club's European exploits may have taken their toll. "We didn't look as sharp as we did against Pat's the week before. We were missing that spark and Bohs deserved the win. But the players have had a lot of tough games recently and it may have taken its toll a bit."
Rovers defeated United on the opening day of the season at United Park, and Doolin knows they'll be tough to best on Friday. "Rovers are a good side, in some good form and they've signed a couple of decent players. But we need to expect to win at home, no matter who we're playing, and Friday will be no different."
Doolin will be pleased with the news that midfielders Shane Robinson and Ollie Cahill have both signed long-term contract extensions with the club, with 3 year and 2 year extensions respectively.
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Cork City last week. Pat Scully believed the game summed up their season to date, being punished for failing to take their chances.
"It was devestating. I couldn't have asked for more from our players – they gave everything, and it all came down to Cork City taking one of their chances while we took none of ours.
"It's been characteristic of our season that we've failed to take good chances, and we know we have players who can finish. But overall I felt our passing and general play was very good."
In Rovers injury news, there are slight doubts about Aidan Price (ankle) and Darragh Maguire (thigh), while cup-tied Joseph Ndo and Mark Leech come back into contention after missing last week’s FAI Cup game against Cork City.
“Aidan and Darragh should be okay, otherwise we’re fine,” says Hoops’ boss, Pat Scully. “And there’s even good news about John Martin – he’s back running now as he continues to recover from his hip operation.”
Extratime.ie Prediction: With European distractions firmly out of the minds of Drogs players, Extratime.ie thinks Scully will leave United Park on the back of another 1-0 defeat as Drogheda look to win their games in hand and try to improve on their disappointing 5th place in the league.
