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Drogheda United -v- Derry City
- P.J. Murray
- Fri, Sep 18 2009
Friday night in the North East sees the clash between Drogheda United and Derry City, where three points has significant meaning for both sides.
For Derry a win would push them closer to their goal of European qualification while Drogheda are languishing near the bottom of the table and a victory, depending on other results, would put them right back in the survival race.
Managers Views
Drogheda manager Alan Mathews once again envisages a tough clash for his struggling side, “They are all tough games at this stage and Derry are a good side. We have beaten them at the Brandywell this season and they have beaten us in Drogheda. It is up to us to concentrate on our own performance and not to worry about anyone else. They have a lot of good players and we know that,” he said.
Stephen Kenny praised his players current performance but did want to remain ground in his approach to the game. He said “To be fair to the players they have been excellent in the last few weeks and have shown a really good attitude.
I think that it will be a tough game at United Park, our last two encounters have been contrasting affairs we won 3 nil down there earlier this year, and that score line may have flattered us, whereas we were beaten 1 nil at the Brandywell after having the lion’s share of the possession. It's obviously an important game for both teams and will be a tough game.”
Team News
“The return of Liam Kearney is a big plus for us, he broke his leg just as he was coming into good form and so I was delighted that he scored on his return and he has had a terrific attitude throughout. Thomas Stewart and Tam McManus have scored goals recently and that will give us confidence" said Kenny. However the Candystripes will be without Sammy Morrow (ankle), Kevin Deery (ankle) and James McClean (thigh).
Drogheda on the other hand will be without Eoghan Osborne (ligament) while Paul Crowley will undergo a fitness test as he is recovering from a calf injury. The midfielder has been playing in the reserves for the Boynesiders recently and would be a big addition to the squad.
Mathews will have to plan without four suspended players: James Chambers, Paul Shiels, Eric McGill and William Woods.
Extratime prediction: A low scoring Derry win
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night.