Drogheda United -v- Shelbourne
Credit:
DROGHEDA UNITED
Lying just three points off the summit of the league, Drogheda United will be aware that a win over fifth-place Shelbourne on Friday evening would consolidate their position as the unlikely leaders of the chasing pack behind front-runners Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.
A scoreless draw at home to in-form St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday saw the Boynesiders extend their unbeaten league run to six games, with their only defeat this term coming courtesy of a 2-1 opening night defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
Paul Crowley remains out while he recovers from an operation, while Ryan Brennan comes back into contention after serving his one match suspension. Cathal Brady is also available for selection for the first time this season.
Speaking ahead of the match, Drogheda manager Mick Cooke anticipates a tight encounter between two confident sides: “Shels are on a good run at the moment and certainly there is a lot of confidence about the club. They will also bring a big crowd down with them which should generate a good atmosphere. Alan Mathews has done a great job with them and with their promotion and good form they are a match for anyone on their day.”
SHELBOURNE
Shelbourne come to Hunky Dorys Park on the back of their first league win in four following the hard fought 2-1 victory over Bray Wanderers at Tolka Park last weekend. With Drogheda just ahead in the league table by two points – and two places – a second away win of the season for Shelbourne would see the sides swap places.
Shels boss Alan Mathews must plan without Lorcan Fitzgerald (dislocated shoulder) and Stephen Hurley (punctured lung), who both picked up those long-term injuries in the recent 2-1 defeat to Bray Wanderers in the EA Sports Cup. Aside from Fitzgerald and Hurley, Shels have a full squad to choose from.
Ahead of the trip Drogheda United, Matthews spoke to ShelsTV and expects another difficult game: “Drogheda have had a great start to the season. They have some good players, have a good togetherness about them because they’ve made such a good start and we know it’s going to be difficult. We’re preparing properly and we’ll look forward to it. We’re going to have to work very hard to make sure we get the three points.”
Referee: Tom Connolly
MATCH STATS
The last league meeting involving the two sides was on November 3, 2006 when Shels were on their way to their thirteenth league title. Gary O’Neill and Greg O’Halloran netted for Shelbourne at Tolka Park in a 2-2 draw.
Drogheda have kept three consecutive clean sheets this term.
Drogheda United won the 2006 Setanta Sports Cup courtesy of a win over Cork City at the home of Shelbourne, Tolka Park.
BETTING
Odds: Drogheda United 8/5; Draw 11/5; Shelbourne 8/5.
PREDICTION
Both sides have started the season in an impressive fashion and with only two points separating the teams a draw seems a likely result. Drogheda United 1-1 Shelbourne.
Drogheda United Injury News: Paul Crowley
Drogheda United Suspension News: None
Shelbourne Injury News: Lorcan Fitzgerald, Stephen Hurley
Shelbourne Suspension News: None
