Shelbourne -v- Drogheda United

• Seamus Egan
• Mon, Sep 30 2013




SHELBOURNE

Bottom of the table Shelbourne will take on Drogheda United in the Airtricity Premier League at Tolka Park on Monday night (kick off 8.p.m).

 

Shelbourne lost their last match 2-0 against Sligo Rovers on Friday night, having lost 3-0 at home to Bohemians the previous week. Johnny McDonnell's team have not won in the league since July 26^th when they beat UCD. Obviously they need to start winning matches if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

 

Glenn Cronin, Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery will all miss the game through injury for the home team. There is still a doubt about Adam Hanlon and he will be given a test close to kick-off time before a decision is made about his inclusion in the match squad.

 

Robert Bayly returns from suspension and is available for selection.

 

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United have lost their last three games in league and cup, twice against Shamrock Rovers and once against Cork City. They are currently 8^th in the table.

 

David Cassidy, Shane Grimes, Alan Byrne and Alan McNally will all miss the trip to Drumcondra because of suspension. Cathal Brady and Ryan Brennan are both carrying knocks and are doubtful for the game. However Derek Prendergast returns to the squad after suspension.

 

Manager Mick Cooke believes that it is a chance for other players to stake a claim for a place in the team with the FAI Cup semi-final against Dundalk coming up “Obviously we have a depleted squad tomorrow night, but this will present some of the other lads to put themselves forward for a place against Dundalk on Sunday, but tomorrow night is just as important to us as that game. We will still be looking to keep up with Cork City and hoping to finish in the top-half of the table.

 

“Shels won't make it easy for us, they are fighting for their lives and each game we have played with them has been a tough encounter. But I will also expect that the 11 I put out on the pitch will make it as equally difficult for them” said Cooke.

 

Referee: P McLaughlin

 

MATCH STATS

The last meeting between the two sides finished 0-0 in Drogheda on July 7^th.

 

Shelbourne midfielder Sean Brennan played under Mick Cooke at Drogheda United.

 

Drogheda United striker Declan O'Brien used to play for Valletta in Malta.

 

BETTING

Shelbourne 11/5, Draw 11/5, Drogheda United 6/5.

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-1 Drogheda United

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Glenn Cronin Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery.

Doubtful: Adam Hanlon.

Suspended: None.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Cathal Brady and Ryan Brennan.

Suspended: David Cassidy, Shane Grimes, Alan Byrne and Alan McNally.