Drogheda ready for high-flying St Pat’s
Drogheda, whose defence of their crown has been stuttering, go into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Bray whereas Pat’s are unbeaten in their last five games.
“There’s no denying they’ve had a great start,” says Drogs boss Paul Doolin, “but it’s a long season and there are plenty of points up for grabs. We’ve been playing really well — we were unlucky not to win against Bray — and if we can play to the same standard again, we have a great chance.”
Dan Connor remains out for Drogheda while both Shane Barrett and Declan O’ Brien picked up knocks last week. Guy Bates and Shaun Maher have returned to full training and Brian Shelley is rated 50/50.
Pats still have a number of players on the injury list but Mark Quigley — singled out by Giovanni Trapattoni for his performance in the U23 game against the North — should have recovered from a rib injury.
“The lads who have come in have done very well,” says manager John McDonnell. “United Park is never an easy place to go to but while it will be a difficult game we’re confident of getting something out of it.”
Paddy McCourt is back on board for Derry City who welcome Cobh Ramblers to the Brandywell (ko 7.45). The Foylesiders will be looking to close the gap on Bohs and Pats while the men from the south, second from bottom after 10 games, seek another difficult result on the road after finally surrendering their unbeaten home league record at St Colman’s Park.
Fellow strugglers Finn Harps are at home to Shamrock Rovers (ko 8pm) and Hoops boss Pat Scully is expecting another testing assignment for his side who have struggled in the recent past after a great start to the season.
“It’s always tough at Finn Park,” he says, “but it was very encouraging that we had such a young side that played well against Derry City last week.”
Harps boss Paul Hegarty returns to the dug-out after a four-game ban and is hopeful that his side can finish the first phase of the campaign on a high.
“We have a chance on home turf to end the first third on a winning note after a run that seen us slip down the table,” he says. “But we have plenty of time to get the show back on the road — starting against Rovers.”
In tonight’s other game, basement side Galway United are still seeking a first league win of the season although there have been signs that new boss Jeff Kenna is making a positive impact. Tonight, they visit the Belfield Bowl to face UCD (ko 7.45pm).
“We have finally started to pick up points,” says Kenna, “and with UCD in the bottom half of the table we will be looking to get our first win on the board.”
In the weekend’s other fixtures, tomorrow sees in-form Bray Wanderers away to Sligo Rovers while, on Sunday, there’s a big game at Dalymount Park when Bohemians host Cork City.
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