League Preview: Galway United -v- Drogheda United

• Paul Corcoran
• Thu, Jul 20 2017




GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen were able to bask in the glow of a victory last week with Shane Keegan’s side having no game after beating Limerick 3-1 a fortnight ago, as they prepare to welcome Drogheda United to Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Shane Keegan’s charges turn their attention to what could be their most important game this season as they try to put some distance between themselves and the bottom of the table, though they haven't secured back-to-back wins since March 2016.

 

Galway have struggled against Drogheda this year, losing to them in the opening game of the season at home and only salvaging a point with two late goals from Padraic Cunningham and Jesse Devers, at United Park, in May.

 

“Something we have failed to do this year is string back-to-back victories together,” Keegan told galwayunitedfc.ie.

 

“We eyed this couple of fixtures up. We felt the Limerick game was winnable and it was great to go and get that win. Now that puts us in a position where we’re going into the Drogheda game with a real chance of producing.

 

“We’ve looked at it in training all week. There is no point trying to play the game down or take any pressure out of the game because you’ll only be lying to yourself.

 

“It’s a massive game – it’s a six pointer. It’s up to the players to stand up to that pressure and show what they’re made of and deliver one of their best performances of the season in the most important game of the season.

 

“The games between the five bottom teams are absolutely crucial and that starts with Drogheda on Friday.”

 

Keegan has far less headaches heading into tomorrow night’s game, compared to his Drogheda United counterpart Pete Mahon.

 

Just two Galway players are unavailable for selection with Gary Kinneen missing out with a hamstring injury while Maurice Nugent is absent with a hip issue.

 

 

DROGHEDA UNITED

Pete Mahon’s side have had a tough time of it as of late. Drogheda have not won a game since April, a run of form which has seen them drop to the bottom of the Premier Division table.

 

The Boynesiders have a great opportunity to drag themselves off the bottom with a win over fellow relegation contenders Galway on Friday night, however, and manager Pete Mahon believes his side are improving.

 

“There was definitely an improvement in our performance last week [against Sligo Rovers] and I’m hoping we can kick on to another level again on Friday,” he told droghedaunited.ie.

 

“Galway seem to be coming into a bit of form lately and they’re scoring goals so we need to be wary defensively.

 

“I’ve been saying for a few weeks that all we need is one win to turn things around and Friday would be the perfect time to get it.”

 

The team news doesn’t look good for Drogheda United for Friday night’s game with several absentees due to injury.

 

Ciaran McGuigan, Kevin Farragher, Richie Purdy, Gavin Brennan and Ryan Masterson all miss out due to injury, while Sean Brennan is a doubt for the game.

 

The squad will also have to continue without Sean Thornton who announced his retirement from football earlier this week, but new signing Chris Mulhall may be available.

 

 

Referee: James McKell

 

 

MATCH STATS

Marc Ludden is set to make his 100^th appearance for The Tribesmen on Friday night, while Conor Melody could make his 50^th should he line out for Shane Keegan’s side against Drogheda.

 

The Boynesiders have gone 12 games without a win. Their last victory came over Finn Harps in Ballybofey in April.

 

Drogheda United have conceded more goals than any other Premier Division team, so far this season, with 43 goals against the side.

 

 

BETTING

Galway United 8/13; Draw 14/5; Drogheda United 9/2.

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 1-0 Drogheda United

 

 

Galway United

Injured: Maurice Nugent, Gary Kinneen.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Ciaran McGuigan, Kevin Farragher, Richie Purdy, Gavin Brennan and Ryan Masterson.

Doubtful: Sean Brennan.

Suspended: None.