Credit:
Drogheda United -v- UCD
- P.J. Murray
- Thu, Mar 03 2011
In what is a repeat of the start of the 2010 season Drogheda United host UCD at Hunky Dorys Park on Friday night (kick off 7.45pm)
Both sides have been the benefactors in the demise of Sporting Fingal, but none more so than Drogheda United, who after being relegated were re-instated into the top flight. UCD on the other hand replaced the Santry outfit in the Setanta Cup.
The Louth side have been plighted with financial difficulties and there were fears they would not be able to field a squad for the coming season, but with an influx of fan generated cash the Drogs have assembled a squad which current manager Mick Cooke feels will be competitive in the Premier Division.
The former Monaghan boss was only appointed to the club this week as Drogheda and previous manager Bobby Browne parted ways. Cooke returns to the club he played for during the 70’s and is experienced with sticking to a tight budget which is exactly what the club needs.
Martin Russell remained in charge of ‘The Students’ in the post season and despite losing no fewer than 11 players UCD still retain a strong squad. The additions of Dean Marshall and former Drog Darren Meenan will no doubt bolster the squad. Also returning to Hunky Dorys Park will be Spanish left back Yael Haro who featured regularly for the Boynesiders but never gained favour with the fans.
Drogheda have strengthened their squad with the retention of Alan McNally and Robert Duggan aswell as signing John Lester.
UCD have the benefit of already having a competitive game under their belt when they held Lisburn Distillery to a respectable scoreless draw. Drogheda were beaten 1-0 away to Wexford Youths in the Leinster Senior Cup, although Friday night will be Mick Cooke’s first game in charge.
Speaking ahead of the game Cooke said “Obviously it is an important game for the club, but it needs to be remembered that it’s only 1 of 36 games. UCD have a fair few games under their belts, with cup competitions and the Setanta Cup so they will be a little more match fit than us. I came in late to the team but I feel that we have a very competitive squad and we will put it up to them.”
Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful:
Suspended:
UCD
Injured: Robbie Benson None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Referee: N Doyle.
Paddy Power odds: Drogheda United 10/3; Draw 9/4; UCD 5/6
Extratime prediction: A 1-1 Draw
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night.