League Preview: Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

• John O'Shea
• Tue, May 20 2014




DUNDALK

Dundalk host the Louth Derby on Tuesday night, when Drogheda United make the short trip to Orial Park, in what should another very competitive clash between these two massive rivals

 

Goals from Brian Gartland and Darren Meenan earned Dundalk a vital 2-1 win over Limerick at Thomond Park on Friday last.  Stephen Kenny’s side will be more than motivated for this one, not only as local bragging rights are at stake, but they know a win will move them back to the top of the table.

 

This is most certainly a very hectic period for Dundalk, with four games in the next 10 days.

 

Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the match, first team coach Vinny Perth insisted that his side won’t get too caught up in the derby day atmosphere. “It was a great win for us on Friday evening. It was a great result considering the final result the week before. The second half in particular was excellent and credit to the players for getting the three points.

 

“Drogheda United are a good side and we know what we’re up against. Derby games are always that little bit different but we won’t get involved with that. We are going out to get the win. We have had a good weekend in preparation for the match and we’re looking forward to it.”

 

For the derby day clash, John Mountney is a doubt, having missed the game with Limerick through a groin injury. If he misses out, he will join Stephen O Donnell on the absentee list.

 

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be aiming to carry on from their victory on Friday night at home to Bohemians The  win was the first  in eight games as they edged past  Bohemians  1-0 at United Park , through Carl Walshe’s 69^th minute strike. Drogheda know a win can potentially move them level on points with Sligo Rovers in 5^th place. But above all else, the Drogheda supporters would love to be the ones to throw a curveball in the way of Dundalk’s title challenge.

 

Drogheda won the first Louth derby of the season back in March, thanks to a 4-1 win at United Park, and speaking ahead of the game, manager Robbie Horgan knows form goes out the window in these type of games.

 

"It is what it is and we still have a strong eleven to put out onto the pitch. Dundalk will be big favourites but we go there knowing that we have already beaten them this season so that will give us confidence.

 

“I’m sure revenge will be on a lot of minds in Dundalk considering what happened on the opening night of the season. Nobody expected that, none more so than myself. Football is so unpredictable and that was certainly a prime example. Since that game Dundalk have been really good and deserve to be where they are in the league table.” 

 

For Drogheda, Stephen Maher, Michéal Schlingermann and Cathal Brady, are all ruled out because of injury, while Gavin Brennan is suspended.

 

Michael Daly and Shane Grimes are rated as doubtful.

 

MATCH STATS

Drogheda won the first Louth Derby of the season 4-1 on the opening day of the season.

 

Victory will see Dundalk go top of the table, as they are currently one point behind Shamrock Rovers.

 

Drogheda’s win last Friday night was their first in eight games.

 

BETTING

Dundalk 4/9; Draw 14/5; Drogheda United 13/2.

 

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2- 1 Drogheda United 

 

Dundalk

Injured: Stephen O’Donnell

Doubtful: John Mountney

Suspended: None.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Cathal Brady, Stephen Maher, Michéal Schlingermann

Doubtful: Michael Daly, Shane Grimes

Suspended: Gavin Brennan