Credit:
Galway United -v- Drogheda United
- Diarmuid Kelly
- Wed, May 25 2011
The first appropriately named 'Relegation Battle' of the Airticity League takes place on Thursday night in Terryland Park as Galway United welcome Drogheda United to the west coast. Both teams lie at the foot of the table with Galway with the minor advantage of five points to the visitors two accumulated thus far after fourteen games. Dismal form compared to the accomplishments of the teams in their immediate superior; UCD are nine points further ahead of Galway on 14 points.
A run of eight defeats in a row, a demoralising injury list and a lack of discipline on the field of play must find Sean Connor pulling out whatever hair he has left on the Galway sideline. A 3-0 loss last week against aspiring title contender Sligo Rovers doesn't tell the whole story as the Tribesmen were utterly outclassed and were flattered by the score line. Five further bookings collected in that match only serve to add to the selection headaches in the Galway camp.
Gary Curran remains a long-term injury for Connor and is joined in the medics care by Sean Kelly who injured his knee against Sligo Rovers. Many others teeter on the brink of return and have suffered at the hands of hasty inclusions in recent weeks. Alan Murphy has played twice in the past few weeks when it was clear he was not fully fit and had to be withdrawn prematurely. Enda Curran too withdrew himself against Sligo with an injury complaint after only making a return to action.
Shaun Maher, Steve Feeney, Gary Kelly and Joseph Yoffe are all doubts also but the latter may make a return to the bench for Thursday encounter.
Despite his team's poor run of form Connor has remained positive in his outlook, constantly looking to the next opportunity to collect points. "It's a massive game. As I've said before, games against Drogheda and UCD will be telling. It's a real chance for us to pick up three points, and put a six point gap between ourselves and Drogheda" the Galway manager explained.
Bottom club Drogheda are not without their own selection worries too ahead of this clash. With two first team players suspended, Alan McNally and Mark Nolan adding to the already injured Jack Flynn. Darragh Hanaphy too is a doubt but may be fit to make the substitutes bench.
Mick Cooke, like Connor is in no doubt as to the importance of this encounter regarding their top flight survival. "Both of us are at the wrong end of the table and will be scrapping for points, but as with most games we will be going there with some confidence." Cooke stated.
Both managers will know more after Thursday night whether their side has the heart to compete in a fierce relegation battle.
Galway United
Injured: Gary Curran, Steve Feeney, Shaun Maher, Alan Murphy
Doubtful: Gary Kelly, Enda Curran, Joseph Yoffe
Suspended: None
Drogheda
Injured: Jack Flynn
Doubtful: Darragh Hanphy
Suspended: Alan McNally, Mark Nolan
Referee: Graham Kelly
PaddyPower Odds: Home 11/10 Draw 11/5 Away 17/10
Extratime Prediction: Galway to break their duck, not with a win though. 1-1 draw.
About Diarmuid Kelly
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