Shamrock Rovers -v- Drogheda United

• Simon O'Gorman
• Mon, Jun 07 2010


Drogheda United’s trip to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night will be Darius Kierans’ first game as permanent boss of the County Louth team and he is confident that his side can give a good account of themselves (Kick off 8pm).

Shamrock Rovers will be aware that if other results go their way they could enter the mid season break as league leaders provided they can burst the Kierans bubble and take the three points against Drogheda.

Their last two league outings ended in draws; at home against Sporting Fingal and away to arch rivals Bohemians. But a resounding 5-1 victory over Wexford Youths in the FAI Cup over the weekend has set the Hoops up nicely for what they hope will be a grandstand finish to the first half of the season.

Hoops’ boss Michael O’Neill recognises the importance of finishing strongly before the break. “I think it’s important to get a win in the match before the break, because you take the results with you for the few weeks. Drogheda seem to have responded to the new manager coming in, and they have been doing well lately. But we’ll be expected to set the tempo of the game, and should have a good bit of possession. Hopefully we can use it, and finish the first half of the season well.”

Pat Sullivan remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury otherwise the Hoops’ only doubt for the game is Sean O’Conner who was forced off with an ankle problem against Wexford.

Following Alan Mathews’ departure in the wake of Drogheda’s 6-0 defeat against Sligo Rovers three weeks ago, Drogheda native Darius Kierans has instilled a more positive spirit at Hunky Dorys Park, leading the team to an away draw at Bray and a home win against St Patrick’s Athletic. The caretaker boss suffered his first defeat in the weekend’s FAI Cup clash against UCD but such has been the team’s progress under Kierans that he was handed the job on a full time basis on Saturday.

“Obviously it’s a privilege for me, being from the town. Overall I’m just glad that it’s done and dusted and now we can move on and concentrate on the more important task of keeping Drogheda in the Premier Division. This won’t an easy task but we will certainly be up for the challenge.”

It’s a challenge that Kierans will have to face without Robbie Martin, Darragh McNamara and Jamie Harris on Tuesday night as all three are out for the clash with Shamrock Rovers. Damien Brennan is also a doubt but on a more positive note, midfielder Paul Crowley returns to the squad after missing the Cup defeat against UCD.

“Any game against Shamrock Rovers is going to be tough, Michael has his team setup and they will be looking to push on and move back up the table. But we will be confident going up there. We were a little unlucky on Friday night, but if we keep our work rate and commitment the same then we will be in a good position to challenge.”

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Pat Sullivan.
Doubtful: Sean O’Connor.
Suspended: None.

Drogheda United
Injured: Robbie Martin, Darragh McNamara, Jamie Harris.
Doubtful: Damien Brennan.
Suspended: None.

Extratime Prediction: A 2-0 home win