Drogheda United -v- Dundalk

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Apr 30 2010


Friday night sees one of the Airtricity League’s most hotly contested derbies take place at Hunky Dory’s Park as Drogheda United take on bitter rivals Dundalk.

The 2-2 draw between these sides back in early March provided Drogheda with one of their few high points in a season that has turned into a real battle. Since then they have struggled to find either form or consistency, as despite beating league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park, this remains their only win in ten league outings and they are now on a run of three straight defeats.

With early exits from the EA Sports Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup at the hands of Bray Wanderers and UCD respectively, they have not found any consolation in recent times.

Furthermore the Drogs have doubts over Robbie Martin, Damien Brennan, Paul Crowley and Glen Fitzpatrick for Friday’s derby game, while Brendan McGill is undergoing treatment and may also be unavailable. Mick Daly is due to have surgery on a hand injury and may do so before this game, which would rule him out too. On a brighter note Eric McGill returns from suspension.

Drogheda boss Alan Mathews is well aware of the challenge that Dundalk pose to his beleaguered squad.

“We have played 10 games in 30 days which generally would be ok, but with such a small squad and few resources we are stretched to the limit. For example, last week we traveled to Galway without the services of 7 players”

But with the sense of occasion that comes with a local derby, judging a game purely on form is often unwise. “Yeah the local derby is always a good occasion, there should be a good crowd. We should have gotten all three points at Oriel earlier in the year but we didn’t and in fairness to Dundalk they have pressed on and have been doing well. They were somewhat unfortunate last week against Bray but they have gone to Dalymount and beaten the champions. They have a lot of good players and will prove to be tough opposition.”

Dundalk, having had an excellent season so far, will also be aware of the derby effect and following last Monday’s defeat to bottom of the table Bray, they will know that anything can happen on Friday night. With two defeats in their last four league games questions may be asked about their ability to maintain their early momentum.

The stakes are high for this game, but in truth it is Drogheda who have the greater need. It is unlikely to be pretty but there will be no shortage of passion and drama.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

?Venue: Hunky Dory’s Park.

extratime.ie Prediction:Drogheda United 2, Dundalk 2.