Galway United -v- Drogheda United

• P.J. Murray
• Sat, Oct 08 2011




Drogheda United and Galway face off in Terryland in what is essentially a dead rubber. Galway’s fate has been sealed and the Tribesmen are left playing with a potential relegation/promotion playoff to prepare for.

 

However, the Tribesmen have had an avid support this season, despite performances on the field they have attracted an average gate of 500 to home games. Something which the Westerners must be admired for, and there is no doubt that they will see this game as a winnable fixture.

 

Galway have been on the wrong end of several high scoring games and their last outing to Sligo ended 7-1 to the home side, something which Drogheda can relate to. The Boynesiders suffered an 8-0 loss at the Showgrounds in recent years, a result that saw the end of Alan Mathews reign as Drogheda manager.

 

The Louth side travelled to face league Champions and European participants Shamrock Rovers on Sunday and came away having been beaten 4-0.  But Drogheda manager Mick Cooke is adamant that several of his players will have to prove themselves if they are to gain a contract for next season and he will be giving his men their chance at Terryland.

 

“My players will be trying to earn themselves a contract for next season and prove that they can hack it in the top flight, so we won't be taking this game lightly,” says the Drogheda manager.

 

John Brennan has had a baptism of fire since taking over as GUFC manager and things aren’t getting easier as he is once again restricted in his squad selection due to a high number of injuries.

 

“We are down to the bare bones. I'd be delighted to get a result ahead of the playoff.

 

It's going to be a very hard game, Drogheda are organized and have secured their Premier Division status,” laments the manager.

 

Mick Cooke is also expecting a tough game as he is adamant that his side will not underestimate their opponents.

 

“We will not be underestimating this Galway side at all, they have had their troubles, but they can still cause us a lot of problems on the pitch. They have been relegated already so the pressure will be off and they will be wanting another win before the end of the season.”

 

Drogheda will be boosted by the return of Robert Duggan and Mark O’Brien from suspension. They will however have to plan without Brian Gannon who picked up his eight yellow card against Rovers. Jack Flynn and Colm O’Brien remain side lined through injury.

 

Galway will be without long term injury victims Johnny Keane (knee) and Victor Collins (achilles tendon). Eric Holland has returned to light training, but it's unlikely that he will take part in United's matchday squad. Yob Son (dead leg) will undergo a fitness test at training (Thursday evening). Influential centre back Laurence Gaughan misses out after picking up a quad injury against Sligo Rovers. Ronan Caldwell is also unavailable because of a red card received against Sligo Rovers. Stephen Walsh is back in contention after serving an automatic 1 match suspension against Sligo Rovers.

 

Galway United

Injured: Johnny Keane, Victor Collins, Laurence Gaughan

Doubtful: Eric Holland, Yob Son

Suspended: Ronan Caldwell

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Jack Flynn, Colm O’Brien

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Brian Gannon

 

Paddypower Odds: Galway United 3/1, Draw 5/2, Drogheda United 5/6

Extratime Prediction: It’s hard to see past a Drogheda win and at odds of 5/6 if I were a betting man I know where my money would be going. 2-0 to Drogheda.