Vikings need a victory to stay alive

DUBLIN CITY will be satisfied with nothing less than victory when boss Roddy Collins sends his side into action in tonight’s vital eircom League Premier Division game against Drogheda United at Tolka Park (kick-off 7.45 pm).

Only a win will keep alive their hopes of avoiding relegation to the First Division.

Bottom of the table City, with just six wins in 32 league games, will be hoping to repeat last week’s sensational 3-2 victory over Derry City.

That would leave them just four points in arrears of second from bottom Shamrock Rovers with each team then having just three matches to play. With just one team relegated from the top flight this season, Rovers will be favoured to avoid the drop for the first time in their history.

But Hoops boss Noel Synnott can take nothing for granted as their remaining games are all derby games against Bohemians (tomorrow), St Patrick’s Athletic and City.

For tonight’s clash City boss Collins has a selection headache. Ronnie Henry, Cathal O’Connor and Dom Tierney all had to be substituted in the victory over Derry because of a ‘flu virus Robbie Farrell and Peter Hynes then came on as substitutes and both scored late goals.

Drogheda will be in no mood to do the Vikings any favours as they still have a chance of qualifying for next season’s Intertoto Cup. Manager Paul Doolin relies on his usual squad with central defender Steve Gray still ruled out by a hip injury.