Credit:
Bohemians -v- Drogheda United
- Gordon Hunt
- Thu, Mar 10 2011
Bohemians entertain Drogheda United as the new-look Gypsies host a league game for the first time this season on Friday night (Kick-off 19:45).
Drogs have not enjoyed the best build-up to the new season, having seen a managerial change very late in the day as Bobby Browne left and Mick Cooke arrived, along with financial strife and tax-man worries. Bohs have been through their own brand of turmoil in the off-season though, with similar if not greater financial worries, with both these sides merely happy to be alive to compete in the 2011 Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division.
Drogheda went down to a late Cillian Morrison goal while hosting UCD last week, and new manager Cooke knows that this season has the potential to be a real struggle as United look destined for a relegation fight.
Bohs started their campaign in excellent fashion, earning a fine 3-1 away in Bray last week, thanks to goals from Christy Fagan, Killian Brennan and Anto Flood. They may have lost in Portadown in the Setanta Cup on Monday, but their fans will know that it is the league position that will define this potentially successful campaign.
Bohs manager Pat Fenlon acknowledges that this is a game of under-prepared sides, but hopes his charges can keep their eyes on the three point prize that goes with winning this game.
“They’re possibly the only team behind us in terms of preparation. But I know Mick Cooke will have them organised and make them difficult to beat. We’re not good enough to disrespect anyone or be complacent. We need to keep ourselves focused and try to win the game,” he said.
“The support we had in Bray was fantastic. Hopefully they’ll all turn up, and a few more, on Friday. It’s massively important to us that we get strong support at home. We’re a team in progress, it’s nowhere near where we want it to be but we’re working at it. The support is really important in this.”
Cooke himself was also pleased with his side’s start to the campaign – despite their eventual loss – and hopes Drogs can move onwards and upwards following weeks of upheaval, fund-raising and headaches. However, one final sting in the Drogs story is that goalkeeper Robert Duggan, who only recently re-signed for United, has returned to England permanently to work and will not be part of their plans this season
“We’re really looking forward to our first trip to Dalymount this season. I was happy with our performance against UCD given the short time myself and Robbie had with the squad ahead of the game but this week we will be more adventurous. We’ve had a very good week’s training, have no injuries, no suspensions and the lads are working very well together,” he said.
Bohemians
Injured: Chris O’Connor (shoulder) and Glen Cronin (cruciate) are both on lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Doubtful: Liam Burns (hamstring) and Gary Murphy (back) may return from injury.
Suspended: Robert Bayly is suspended for the second match of a three-match ban and assistant manager Liam O’Brien begins a two-match suspension from the touchline.
Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Referee: R.Winter.
Paddy Power Odds: Bohs 4/11 - Draw 10/3 - Drogs 15/2.
Extratime prediction: A 2-1 win for Bohs.
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block.