Drogheda United -v- Bohemians

• Sam Griffin
• Thu, Sep 08 2011


Bohemians will hope to make it four wins out of four against Drogheda United this season as the two sides go head to head at Hunky Dorys Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45).

Bohs’ record against Mick Cooke’s side looks all the more impressive under scrutiny. Bohemians have not conceded a single goal against Drogs this season and the last time these sides met the Phibsborough side ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

Strikers Anto Flood and Christy Fagan proved to be the difference between sides that night and the good news for Pat Fenlon is that Fagan returns from suspension for Friday’s night game to hand the manager a full strength squad to choose from.

That means Ireland u-21 representative Lee Dixon also returns after the defeat to Turkey on Tuesday night. Liam Burns is available again after suspension and should retake his place at the centre of the Bohs’ defence.

Mick Cooke and his Drogheda team will know last week’s defeat to UCD was a missed opportunity to overtake the Students and claim 8th spot in the table. Having led 4-2 at one stage despite missing a first-half penalty, the Drogs then conceded three goals in the last ten minutes to hand UCD the advantage as we head into the final phase of games this season.

Speaking midweek, Cooke was confident that his side could take something from Friday night’s game. He said: “Bohemians will be tough and they have an outside shot of the league and are still chasing a European spot, so they will have a lot to play for. But I reckon if we keep up our form from the last few weeks then we have a chance of getting something from the game.”

Cooke is not as lucky as Fenlon in terms of squad withdrawals however. Goalkeeper Steven Trimble received a nasty facial injury in training during the week and is now a major doubt.

Aside from the injuries, all the momentum and impetus lies with the visitors for this one. With only six points and a game in hand separating them and Pat’s in fourth place, Bohs will be focused on securing that final European spot. Defeat to UCD means Drogheda have little to play for now and will be up against it on Friday night.



Drogheda United
Injuries: None
Doubtful: Steven Trimble
Suspended: None

Bohemians
Injuries: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

Referee: Tom Connolly

PaddyPower betting odds: Drogheda 5/1 Draw 5/2 Bohemians 4/7

ExtraTime.ie prediction: 1-0 to the visitors.