LOI Preview: Drogheda United face Derry amidst ownership uncertainty as in-form Dundalk travel to Bohs

Shamrock Rovers' Graham Burke and Drogheda United's Andrew Quinn challenge for the ball. Pic: Dan Clohessy/Inpho

Drogheda United head to Derry City on Friday with uncertainty hovering over their ownership future over a boardroom battle.

A standoff has emerged between Trivela Group, the US-based multiclub operation and co-chair Joanna Byrne which shows no sign of resolution.

There is no immediate danger to the club as the owners have underwritten the finances for the entire but if a supporter revolt erupts, siding with local Sinn Féin TD Byrne, they may consider transferring their investment elsewhere.

Manager Kevin Doherty spoke last month when the controversy began of his appetite and sleeping habits being disrupted by the saga. His mood is unlikely to be brighter as he visits a Derry side in desperate need of a win following a stodgy seven-game start.

Elsewhere, in-form Dundalk travel to take on leaders Bohemians at Dalymount Park in the live televised fixture. “We are happy with the two wins over Waterford and Galway last week but we know the magnitude of the task of going to Dublin to take on the unbeaten league leaders,” says Ciarán Kilduff.

Enda Minogue has been installed as the goalkeeper replacement for Conor Kearns, whose season was ended by dislocating his kneecap in the win over the Blues.

“We are missing a few bodies with a number of knocks and niggles, so we will be delving into our squad,” admitted the Lilywhites boss, who also has Aodh Dervin suspended.

“Whatever team we put on the pitch, they are more than capable of doing us proud.” 

Meanwhile, Stephen Bradley feels fans of champions Shamrock Rovers are only seeing the beginning of Maleace Asamoah’s contribution. The former Wigan Athletic winger was handed his debut in Monday’s scoreless draw at Drogheda and is vying to stay in the side for the visit of Galway United.

“We’ve watched him for some time and I’ve no doubt what Maleace will bring to us,” he said. It’s only early in his development and I thought he did ok.” 

Friday's LOI Fixtures (All 7.45pm unless stated)

Premier Division: Bohemians v Dundalk, Dalymount Park (8pm), Derry City v Drogheda United, Ryan McBride Brandywell; Shamrock Rovers v Galway United, Tallaght Stadium (8pm); Waterford v St Pat's, RSC.

First Division: Cobh Ramblers v Bray Wanderers, St Colman’s Park; Kerry v Finn Harps, Mounthawk Park; Treaty United v Athlone Town, Markets Field; UCD v Cork City, Belfield Bowl.