Drogheda United v Limerick FC

DROGHEDA UNITED

Bouncebackability, it’s a bit of a mouthful, but in Drogheda it seems to be a footballing mantra. The Boynsiders lost their opening league fixture away to St Pats and three days later they booked their place in the Setanta Cup semi-final.

If Mick Cooke’s team harbor any ambitions of replicating their second place finish last season then you feel they need to pick up points fast. It may only be the second game of the season, but they can’t afford to fall too far behind and Limerick should be three points to be targeting, but Cooke firmly believes there are no easy games this season.

Cooke made four un-forced changes to the side who lost on the opening night for the game against Derry, however he will be forced into several switches for the team to face Limerick. Brian Gannon should be handed a start at centre back alongside Alan Byrne as club captain Derek Prendergast is ruled out through injury. Peter Hynes could start up front along side Declan O’Brien as Gary O’Neill will undergo a scan to ascertain how long he is out after he was forced off against Derry City by a wild challenge from Ryan McBride. Cathal Brady picked up a calf strain which will keep him out and Gabriel Sava is a doubt with a groin strain.

Speaking ahead of the clash Cooke was quick to point to the depth within his squad, “I have a few injuries going into the game, but this is what I have a big squad for. The lads know that whoever is picked will need to step up and prove themselves and if what they show in training translates on the pitch then we should be a match for anyone.”

“It's going to be a great atmosphere at Hunky Dorys Park as Limerick will no doubt bring great support. I watched their 0-0 draw with Cork on Sunday and they are very formidable opposition. Stuart Taylor has them playing good football and they are going to challenge any team this season. There are no easy games in the Premier Division this year.”

 

LIMERICK FC

All the fanfare and pomp regarding the start of the season was firmly focused on Limerick and now that it’s finished Stuart Taylor’s side can get on with the business of football.

Taylor will be without the services of defenders Pat Purcell and Shaun Kelly who both are suspensions. Midfielder Jeffery Judge is a doubt having picked up a flu, he has returned to training but isn’t expected to be able to feature for another week. Rory Gaffney and Dominic Foley have both picked up knocks since the Cork City game and they are also expected to be added to the injury list. 

Lims drew 0-0 with Cork City in their league opener and Danny Galbraith really captured the imagination of the Limerick public on Sunday night, but Taylor refused to comment on individual performances. “All the players played well. Danny is an interesting player. He's an attractive and exciting player, but going on today's performances, I was proud of them all and they did very well.”

The Munster side spent some time in Scotland, under-going fitness camps along with friendlies against SPL sides, however in Drogheda they come up against one of the fittest teams in the league and it could be a real war of attrition between the two sides.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Last season, Lims away record saw them only lose twice over the season.

Drogheda’s 1-0 loss to St Pats in their league opener was the first time this season they failed to score. They have also conceded in all but one of their five competitive games this season.

BETTING

Drogheda United 10/11, Draw 9/4, Limerick 3/1.

PREDICTION

It’s going to be a keenly fought game, Drogheda’s defensive woes will tell and I expect it to be a 2-2 draw.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Alan McNally, Gary O’Neill, Derek Prendergast, Cathal Brady.
Doubtful: Gabriel Sava
Suspended: None.

 

Limerick FC

Injured: Rory Gaffney, Jeffery Judge.
Doubtful: Dominic Foley.
Suspended: Shaun Kelly, Pat Purcell.