League Preview: UCD -v- Drogheda United

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, Oct 23 2014




UCD

UCD welcome Drogheda United to Belfield on Friday night knowing that only a win will guarantee their top flight status for next season.

 

It has been a difficult season by all accounts for everyone involved in UCD AFC but having finally picked up a much needed three points last week away from home against Derry City, the confidence has for the first time in months improved.

 

“I thought we played very well against Derry, Mark Langtry scored a brilliant goal on his return, we played some good football, and everyone put their bodies on the line to hold out for the win. Ian Ryan was exceptional at the back and made a number of vital tackles and also had that crucial clearance off the line.”

 

Unfortunately despite Samir Belhout returning from suspension for this one, Chris Mulhall and the influential Hugh Douglas will both miss out due to the pair reaching four yellow cards each.

 

However with the return of Mark Langtry and Thomas Boyle, UCD’s the only absentee through injury therefore will be long term injury victim Dean Clarke. An escape from relegation looks like it may be on for UCD so the club are planning to offer free tickets to all UCD students in the hope that a big crowd will turn out to motivate Aaron Callaghan’s side.

 

“Drogheda has traditionally been a very close game with both sides picking up wins and there has also been a number of draws, however we will have to go all out to win it this time around. A win will get us into the playoff regardless of what Athlone do, so we just have to focus on our own game and forget about what is going on in Athlone.”

 

 

Drogheda United

Drogheda will travel to Belfield looking to conclude their season on a positive note as the Louth side attempt to overhaul the two point gap between 9^th and 7^th place.

 

However Damian Richardson will have to overcome a mountain of players that are unavailable. The injury list at United Park has been getting longer in recent weeks with Mick Daly, Cathal Brady and Daire Doyle all set to miss out. Gavin Brennan is also unavailable as he serves the third of his five game ban while Dylan Connolly has been chosen to start in between the sticks.

 

A two goal defeat to Shamrock Rovers last weekend meant Drogheda have now lost their last three games but Richardson is still keen to boost spirits amongst his players.

 

“I felt that Shamrock Rovers fully deserved their victory last Friday. We didn’t really perform while Rovers were dominant in all areas of the pitch. They were the strongest team that we have met in recent weeks and we struggled with their quality after a long season. Suspensions and injuries also played a part as we were a little lop sided though the team gave it their all.”

 

Many would put this game down as the most important in recent years for UCD but Richardson also believes his side will be just as “fired up” come kick off time.

 

“I have no doubt that we will be as motivated as UCD will be tomorrow night. I think this Drogheda side has a great honesty and desire to represent the club to the highest degree. It is a huge game for UCD and we owe it to the league and to our fans to put our best side out and get a result. We will be doing our very best to finish the season off with three points.”

 

Referee: Paul Tuite

 

 

Match Facts

The Drogs are now over a month since they last won, when they overcame Sligo Rovers 2-0 in The Showgrounds.

 

Only the Students have conceded more goals than Drogheda this year which means we could well be in for a goal fest in Belfield on Friday night.

 

Since Damian Richardson took over the Louth side have only lost five times with three of them coming in the last three weeks.

 

 

Betting

UCD 11/8; Draw 12/5; Drogheda United 17/10

 

Prediction

UCD 1-0 Drogheda United – The Students to score a late late goal to keep their survival bid alive.

 

 

UCD

Injured: Dean Clarke (back)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Chris Mulhall, Hugh Douglas, Aaron Callaghan (manager)

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Mick Daly, Cathal Brady, Daire Doyle

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Gavin Brennan