Pitch inspection gives Louth derby go-ahead

Drogheda United’s FAI Cup clash against local rivals Dundalk will definitely go ahead on Friday after the new synthetic pitch at Oriel Park was given the green light by a FIFA inspection team.

The pitch, which the Lilywhites initially hoped would be ready for the start of the season, will be used for the first time at Friday’s game despite reservations of Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin whose team trained on the pitch on Monday.