Credit:
Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers
- Alan Finn
- Mon, Sep 02 2013
DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda United will be aiming to make it eight games unbeaten in the Airtricity League when they welcome Sligo Rovers to Hunky Dory’s Park on Tuesday evening.
United’s unbeaten record in the Premier Division stretches back to a scoreless draw with Shelbourne on July 7th and they go into this game with the champions following three consecutive victories in their last three fixtures.
The home side welcome Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien back from suspension but will be without another striker, Mick Daly, who suffered a hamstring injury on Friday against Bray Wanderers. This game may also come too soon for Graham Rusk who is expected to be available again in the next week following a long-term calf injury.
Drogheda manager Mick Cooke expressed his confidence in his side breaking into the top –half of the table ahead of the game.
“We had another hard game on Friday night against Bray, they didn't make it easy, but we have kept our good run going and we will want to keep it going tomorrow night.
“It's a chance for us to close the gap and try and push on into the top-half of the table.
“It's going to be another good footballing game on Tuesday night, they like to play some open and free football like we do. We have had a lot of good games this season and we expect no less from tomorrow night.”
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers travel to Drogheda United on Tuesday knowing victory guarantee’s them to close the gap at the top of the table.
The Bit O’Red can move to within three points of League leaders Dundalk, who have played a game more. St. Patrick’s Athletic also play their game in hand tomorrow, and the best case scenario for Rovers will see a two point gap open between themselves and The Saints who are directly above them in second place.
Iarfhlaith Davoren, Ross Gaynor and Evan McMillan are still out through injury while Pascal Millien is on Internationa duty with Haiti who play South Korea later this week.
Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the game, Ian Baraclough says he wants to see them same work-rate and desire to win he seen from his players in their 2-0 win over Limerick on Saturday.
"We trained on Sunday and Monday so there has been no rest for us since the Limerick game but we're ready to face Drogheda. We've recovered in the right manner.
"I was very pleased with the win last Saturday. The first thing you look for from your team is application and desire and a work-rate that can win you a game. We had it in abundance and that is what I'm looking for again.
"Drogheda are dogged, they do not give you a minute's peace. It is a tighter pitch that what we are used to. They are a big physical side and we have to be able to match that and then play our own stuff.
"The situation in the battle at the top remains the same for us. We need to win games, we need to focus on all we can do to increase our points total and see where it can take us."
Referee: Padraigh Sutton.
MATCH STATS
Sligo Rovers have failed to beat Drogheda United since August last year. They have met five times in all competitions since, losing three, drawing one and winning one.
Since their 3-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers on June 28th, Drogheda United have kept five clean sheets in their seven League games, conceding just three goals.
Danny North will make his 100th appearance in Irish football if he plays tomorrow.
BETTING
Drogheda United 11/4; Draw 23/10; Sligo Rovers 19/20.
PREDICTION
Drogheda United 1-1 Sligo Rovers.
Drogheda United
Injured: Graham Rusk, Mick Daly.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Iarfhlaith Davoren, Ross Gaynor, Evan McMillan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
International duty: Pascal Millien.
