Drogheda aim to derail Bohemians’ title charge

BOHEMIANS manager Stephen Kenny will challenge his team to complete a clean sweep by extending their unbeaten run in the eircom League to nine matches when they play Drogheda United at Dalymount Park tonight.

Bohs have resisted an assault on their position as leaders of the league's premier division from the other eight teams. But Kenny is well aware of the threat posed by Drogheda.

"We cannot afford to be complacent in our approach to this game," he said. "Harry McCue has never got the credit he deserved for guiding Drogheda to promotion last season.

"He has worked very hard in helping his side make a big impact in the top flight and they are a big, strong team. We have our hands full."

The main worry for Bohs is the fitness of top striker Glen Crowe, who suffered a hamstring injury in a training session. Crowe, who has scored six league goals this season, will have a late fitness test.

Bobby Ryan or Gary O'Neill could be asked to join Paul Keegan in attack if Crowe is unavailable, with another option being to switch Fergal Harkin to the right wing with the in-form Mark Rutherford on the left.

Kenny has a selection problem in the centre of defence now that Colin Hawkins has returned to the squad

after being sidelined for a month with rib injuries. In his absence, Alan McNally and Derek Coughlan have played key roles at the back.

Drogheda are boosted by the return of midfielder Stuart Taylor and central defender Padraig Gollogley after suspension. Still ruled out by injuries are Mark Dempsey (ribs) and Shaun Gallagher (ankle). Bottom of the table UCD look to have their work cut out in seeking their first win in nine games when Saint Patrick's Athletic make their first visit of the season to Belfield Park.

Ireland under-21 striker Robert Doyle and midfielder Alan McNally return after suspension, while Tony McDonnell is back after injury, but Richie Purdy and Mick O'Donnell are again ruled out by injuries. Manager Paul Doolin refuses to panic.

"We have had a tough start, but there are still 19 matches to play and we have been playing good football. There is no way that I will say that we will be relegated not a chance," Doolin said.

St Pat's bounced back into contention for the title with an impressive 4-1 win over Cork City and manager Pat Dolan is likely to field an

unchanged side, with midfielder Paul Osam overcoming a knee injury. Shamrock Rovers, looking for their second win of the season, can climb out of the relegation zone when they take on fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers at Tolka Park.

Central defender Stephen McGuiness returns after suspension, but Keith Doyle is ruled out with a groin injury. Graham O'Keefe, who missed last week's narrow 3-2 defeat by Cork City, returns after injury. Tony McGuirk again takes charge of Wanderers in the absence of manager Pat Devlin, who returns to the helm next week. Bray will be without the suspended Jody Lynch, while fellow central defender Mick Doohan is again absent because of business commitments.