Drogheda United vs. Bohemians

• Graeme McQueen
• Thu, Oct 09 2008




United Park could be the scene of a changing of the guard on Friday evening when Bohemians travel north knowing that victory over last years champions Drogheda United will secure their first league title in five seasons.

Having won their last eleven league games, the Gyspies go into the game with a nineteen point lead at the top of the eircom Premier League and know that just three points is all they need to bring the title to Dalymount Park for the tenth time.

However, Drogheda will be looking for the three points themselves, not only to salvage a little pride after losing all three previous meetings with Bohs this season, but to boost their slim hopes of snatching third spot away from Derry City. Derry currently sit four points ahead of the Louthmen and also boast one game in hand.

Drogheda have only taken two points from their previous three game, and manager Paul Doolin admits his side need to start taking their chances in front of goal if they are to finish the season with a flurry. He said: "We were very disappointed with the return of two points when we feel we should have taken nine. We weren't very good against UCD, though we did create a few chances in the Cobh and Galway games, but just couldn't score the goals."

Picking up points is not something that Bohs manager Pat Fenlon has to worry about. His side have lost just once in the league all season and remain unbeaten on the road. While victory against Drogheda would secure Fenlon’s fourth league title in six seasons, the Dubliner maintains that he doesn’t care when his side win the league, just as long as they do eventually win it. He said: “I won’t be concerned greatly if we are held to a draw but we will be going for the win. Our earlier match in United Park was tight but we managed to get the win. I think we deserved to win our other two games against Drogheda this season.

“It’s not very often that you succeed in winning all your games against the reigning champions and I suspect that they will fight very hard to prevent us winning the title in their own ground. Retaining the title is harder than winning it but Drogheda probably still have the best squad in the league. They have great players to call on and United Park is a very tough venue for visiting teams,” he added.

Fenlon has been dealt a double selection blow ahead of the game with Neale Fenn out injured and Mindaugas Kalonas away on international duty with Lithuania. On a more positive note, both Ken Oman and Glenn Cronin are available for selection again.

Drogheda are still without the injured trio of Dan Connor, Guy Bates and Shane Barrett, though club captain Declan O'Brien has returned to training. Brian Shelley, Shaun Maher, Graham Gartland and Richie Baker are all carrying slight knocks, but are expected to be available for selection.

The game, which will be refereed by Anthony Buttimer, kicks-off at 19.35 and is being shown live on RTE2.