Doolin’s pretenders primed for Cork clash

DROGHEDA United boss Paul Doolin is under no illusion as to the importance of tomorrow night’s vital Premier Division clash with champions Cork City at Turners Cross.

This will be the sides’ fifth meeting this season with Drogheda, but in their only League meeting to date, Cork collected a vital point in the scoreless draw between the sides at United Park back on March 18.

Drogheda, currently on 26 points with a game in hand, are a point clear of second-placed

Shelbourne with Cork in third a further point behind.

Ironically, both teams suffered shock defeats in the FAI Cup third round, with Drogheda making their exit to First Division leaders Limerick 1-0 in a replay at United Park and Cork going down 2-1 in controversial circumstances to Longford Town at Flancare Park.

But last year’s FAI Cup winners Drogheda and beaten finalists

Cork have bounced back from those shock setbacks to re-establish their Premier Division title credentials.

“We had a good 1-0 win at home to Bohemians while Cork had an excellent 4-0 win against Dublin City at Dalymount Park — the last matches before the brief summer break,” said Doolin.

“If you take in last December’s FAI Cup final between the two teams, this will be our sixth meeting in seven months, so we know all about each other and I have the highest respect for Cork.

“They are always tight games and it will be no different tomorrow. It is great to see the Premier Division back in action and there should again be a great atmosphere at Turners Cross.”

Drogheda will be without the suspended Graham Gartland, with Steven Gray likely to partner former Middlesbrough man Jason Gavin in the centre of defence.

Doolin will also give late fitness tests to midfielder James Keddy (hip) and Finnish striker Sami Ristila (ankle). Both took knocks in the 1-0 win over Bohemians on June 2 but will definitely be in the travelling party.