Credit:
Sligo Rovers -v- Drogheda United
- Alan Finn
- Sat, Oct 19 2013
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers host their final home game of the season when they welcome Drogheda United to The Showgrounds on Saturday evening.
After relinquishing their Airtricity League title to St. Patrick’s Athletic last Sunday, The Bit O’Red remain firmly in the hunt for second place which is currently occupied by the the fierce rivals of their opponents, Dundalk.
Rovers go into this game with just one injury concern as Joseph Ndo has yet to fully recover from a hamstring problem. Aaron Greene is suspended while Jeff Henderson returns after missing last week’s title decider in Richmond Park.
Ian Baraclough spoke to sligorovers.com ahead of the game.
“We want momentum for the FAI Cup final. Nobody can take the foot off the gas because we have to maintain the level of performance.
“It's about mentality and a personal pride. This season is not about the one game at the end of it. Second place is up for grabs.
“I don't think the game has any bearing on the outcome of final. You can't say it will have any psychological effect.”
DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda United travel to The Showgrounds where they face Sligo Rovers in their final away fixture of the season.
Drogs go into this without Michael Schlingermann, Alan Byrne, Derek Prenedergast and David Cassidy who have all been reported as injured.
United boss Mick Cooke gave his thoughts ahead of the game.
“It should be a good night in Sligo tomorrow, it's their last home game of the season and we expect a big turn out and a good atmosphere. We always have had tough and competitive games against Sligo this season and I expect that to continue tomorrow.
We don't expect this game to have any real bearing on the cup final in November, but we have two games left this season and our aim is to finish strong and win both, while obviously they are still fighting for second place this season.
We have a number of injuries and knocks but this will just give some of the other players a chance to to get some game time.”
Referee: Derek Tomney
MATCH STATS
Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United meet in the FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 3rd.
Neither side have yet recorded a victory in this fixture this season, but claim a victory each in the Setanta Sports Cup.
David Cawley is the top scorer in meetings between the sides this season with two goals.
BETTING
Sligo Rovers 8/13; Draw 5/2; Drogheda United 4/1.
PREDICTION
Sligo Rovers 2-0 Drogheda United.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Joseph Ndo.
Suspended: Aaron Greene.
Drogheda United
Injured: Michael Schlingermann, Alan Byrne, Derek Predergast, David Cassidy.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
