Drogheda United -v- Mervue United

• Sam Griffin
• Fri, Jun 03 2011


Premier Division table footers Drogheda United host Mervue United in the third round of the FAI Ford Cup in Hunky Dorys Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45).

Cup games often act as a distraction for teams struggling with league form and this is particularly true in the case of Drogheda who find themselves joint last in the league, with only their superior goal difference lifting them ahead of struggling Galway United.

Drogs have lived up to all expectations this season and have amassed only five points from their 16 outings.  In that time they have scored only eight goals, and conceded 31.  However the club will have no doubt been buoyed by their recent victory over Galway United – the Louth club’s first and only win of the campaign.

Manager Mick Cooke has been keen to stress all season that he is in the job for the long haul and knows Drogheda are very much a work in practice.  Perhaps it is for these reasons he is targeting this game as one that could give his side another badly needed lift as they enter into a hectic schedule of games.

Speaking midweek, he said: “The Cup is always a nice distraction, but one thing we will not be doing is underestimating Mervue. I obviously played against them last season and they are certainly capable of putting it up to us.  This is a competition that i want to compete in so I will be putting out my strongest team.” 

The fact that Cooke will only be without the injured Jack Flynn for the game means he may indeed field a strong side as he looks to mastermind another victory for the Drogs.

Unlike the hosts, Mervue have exceeded expectations and can be very pleased with their league form to date.  The Galway club currently sit in a very respectable sixth position in the Airtricity First Division and have registered five wins in the campaign to date.

Indeed this cup tie is coming at a good time for the side who will be in fine form after they scored an injury time winner to overcome rivals Longford Town 2-1 last Monday night. 

However it’s not all good news for Mervue with the side being hit by a number of withdrawals by key personnel.  Eric Browne, who was a substitute in that victory over Longford, can’t travel with the squad due to work commitments.  Defender Nicky Curran suffered a re-occurrence of his knee injury during that game and is now out for up to five weeks.  Also out is Damien O’ Rourke, while goalkeeper Ger Hanley is doubtful.

Despite the depleted squad, Mervue boss Johnny Glynn is remaining positive.  “We are looking forward to the break from league action and the cup game with a Premier Division side, but I would gladly take a point away to Shelbourne the following week over a cup win.

The manager did concede, however, he would prefer to take a point against Shelbourne next week than a win in Drogheda which suggests the cup is not something Glynn is too worried about.  Indeed he may use it as an opportunity to try out some new faces.  All this indicates Friday’s match is a great chance for Drogheda to claim their second win of the season.

Drogheda United:
Injured: Jack Flynn.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Mervue United:
Injured: Nicky Curran (knee), Damien O’Rourke (achilles).
Doubtful: Ger Hanley (shoulder).
Suspended: None.

Referee: Derek Tomney.
Paddypower odds: Drogheda 3/4; Draw 5/2; Mervue 3/1.
ExtraTime.ie Prediction: A 2-0 win for Drogheda.