Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Drogheda United -v- U.C.D.
- P.J. Murray
- Thu, Mar 04 2010
Drogheda United face UCD at United Park on Friday in what is the Students first top flight game since 2008 (Kick off 7.45pm).
UCD were the surprise package last season, their consistent form taking them to First Division success. The Boynesiders finished 9th last season and needed a playoff win at home to Bray Wanderers to remain in the top flight.
Alan Mathews squad for the 2010 season was hit with the loss of Connor Kenna and James Chambers, however the Dubliner has acquired Bray’s John Flood and St.Pat’s Jamie Harris as replacements. Added to that the likes of Michael Daly and Joe Kendrick and the squad seems to have more depth and strength than the last campaign.
UCD on the other hand have been very conservative in the transfer market, Martin Russell has only brought in midfield player Shane Fitzgerald from Galway. The Students have had to deal with the loss of the influential Ronan Finn. However the squad will be bolstered by a host of youth players coming through.
Drogheda manager Alan Mathews has no injury concerns ahead of Friday’s game. Captain Alan McNally missed last Sunday’s friendly win over Bray with a dead leg but will be fit for Friday night.
Russell is faced with more of a dilemma as a number of his squad have been in Derry for the last few days participating in the College’s Cup and if selected for Friday they will be playing their fifth straight game in the week. Robbie Creevy and Ger Barron, along with Paul Corry, David McMillan, Mick Leahy, Peter McMahon and Sean Houstan are the representatives in Derry.
Speaking ahead of the game Alan Mathews has said “Every game will be a tricky game this season. We are all looking forward to the start of the season. UCD are First Division champions and they have a good squad and a very good manager.
"They have proven time and time again that they are capable of beating and finishing ahead of teams who are much better than them, they have improved their squad with their youth system and it will be a tough game,” he added.
If Drogheda take three points from Friday night they will have equalled their points tally for the first ten games last season.
Venue: United Park
Referee: D. Hanney
paddypower.com odds: Drogheda 6/5 ,UCD 9/4, Draw 21/10
Drogheda United
Doubtful: None
Injured: None
Suspended:None
UCD
Doubtful:Evan McMillan, Ger Barron, Robbie Creevy
Injured: None
Suspended:None
Extratime.ie Prediction: A score draw.
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.