Drogheda United -v- Bohemians

• Sam Griffin
• Thu, May 05 2011


Drogheda United continue their search for their first league win of the 2011 season as they host Bohemians in Hunky Dorys Park on Friday night. (Kick off, 7.45pm)

Mick Cooke’s Drogheda side sit bottom of the table and have amassed only two points from 10 outings. Bohemians, for all their pre-season problems, have been one of the bright sparks this season and are only five points behind Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.

This is the second meeting between these sides this season having already locked horns at Dalymount Park in March when an Anto Flood goal proved decisive. But the Drogs will be hungry to prove they have improved since that night, even if their recent results would suggest otherwise.

Drogheda’s most recent outing in the league ended in a 2-1 defeat away to UCD. While Mick Cooke will no doubt have been disappointed not to take any points back to Drogheda, it is the manner of the defeat that will infuriate him most as Drogs once again failed to hang on after taking the lead.

Speaking midweek Cooke said, “The last few results have been disappointing. I think we have been leading in 4 of our last 5 games and never managed to hold the lead. There is a fear factor out there, we seem to just want to take the lead then defend it when we should be pressing on. But it's human nature and something we need to get over.”

Stephen Quigley is likely to recover from a stomach bug which means Cooke should have a full squad to choose from.

Like Drogs, Bohs recent form has been far from impressive. Indeed, the Phibsborough club have recorded only one win in their last five games. Bohs were lucky to avoid defeat in their last outing at home to Bray on Monday night. Trailing 1-0 deep into stoppage time, 18-year-old Leaving Cert student, Christopher Forrester, popped up to become the fifth of Bohemians’ teenage amateurs to score in 13 games in all competitions this season.

Despite their run of results, Bohs certainly haven’t been shy of goals with eight strikes in their last six games.  Indeed, manager Pat Fenlon has been happy with his side’s recent performances and puts a lot of Bohs dip in form down to fixture congestion.

“We don’t have the bodies to cope with it. These fixtures are overloading players who are only part-time,” said Fenlon.

He may have a point with Glen Cronin, Barry Murphy and Chris Fagan all ruled out, while Mark Rossiter is doubtful with a hamstring strain. Despite the injuries, Bohs should have too much for Drogheda in this one as the home side’s winless streak looks set to continue.

Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Stephen Quigley (stomach bug).
Suspended: None.

Bohemians
Injured: Glen Cronin (knee), Barry Murphy (groin), Chris Fagan (hamstring).
Doubtful: Mark Rossiter (hamstring).
Suspended: None.

Referee: Paul Tuite
Paddy Power Odds: Drogheda 9/2; Draw 12/5; Bohemians 4/6.
Extratime prediction: A 2-1 win for Bohemians.