Bohemians -v- Drogheda United

BOHEMIAMS
There is still a lot to play for at Dalymount as Bohemians host Drogheda United for the final time this season. The Gypsies can still salvage something from the season if they can qualify for the Setanta Cup. 

Three sides are still in a position to finish fifth and thus qualify, though should Derry win the Cup and hold on to fifth, sixth place would then good enough. Bohs and Cork are tied in joint sixth place on 36 points with the Leesiders just ahead on goal difference, while Shelbourne are two points behind both sides and could conceivably sneak into sixth place. 

Aaron Callaghan’s options are  limited by injuries to the likes of Owen Heary (hamstring), Derek Pender (back) and Adam Martin (ankle), as well as Andy Mulligan (ankle), Luke Byrne (ankle) and Michael Barker (illness).

This will see him once again dipping into the pool of young players coming through the ranks at Dalymount Park, but that served him well last time out when they recorded a 4-1 win away to Bray. 

Speaking ahead of the game the manager was delighted that Bohs still have something to play for, “I wouldn’t want it any other way. You don’t really want a meaningless game with nothing at stake,” he said. 

“This situation puts a bit of an edge on the game which is always good. I believe there’s a twist in this somewhere and I just hope the twist goes our way.”

DROGHEDA UNITED
The Boynesiders will look to cap off what has been a remarkable season with a win at Dalymount Park which would guarantee them second place in the Premier Division. 

They are coming off the back of a tremendous win against the league champions, Sligo Rovers. Having been reduced to ten-men, Brian Gannon scored an 89th minute winner to secure European football for Drogheda next season. 

Speaking ahead of the game Drogheda manager Mick Cooke was very clear on what his side must do. 

“We have to either match Pats or do better to make sure we finish second. Imagine, pre-season, if we had said that we would be disappointed not to be in second we might have gotten a few looks. Bohs are still fighting for sixth and a place in the Setanta Cup, so there's a lot to play for”.  

Cooke will have to plan without the services of the suspended Declan O’Brien, Gavin Brennan and Peter Hynes while Eric Foley is out injured. However, Paul Crowley will be welcomed back into the squad. 

Drogheda have a poor record in Dalymount in recent years but this season the Boynesiders have been putting to bed several hoodoos and they will see Friday night as another chance to do this. 

Referee: Damien Hancock

MATCH STATS
Drogheda’s last win at Dalymount against Bohs came in 2006.

Bohs are unbeaten in their last four games.

BETTIING
Bohemians 8/5, Draw 11/5, Drogheda United 7/5.

MATCH PREDICTION
Drogheda to end the season on a high 2-1

Bohemians Injury News: Owen Heary, Derek Pender, Adam Martin, Andy Mulligan, Luke Byrne, Michael Barker.
Bohemians Suspension News: None.

Drogheda United Injury News: Eric Foley.
Drogheda United Suspension News: Declan O’Brien, Gavin Brennan, Peter Hynes.