Shelbourne -v- Drogheda United
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SHELBOURNE
The Reds go in search of their first win of the campaign when Drogheda United visit Tolka Park on Friday evening. The home side have picked up only one point in their six games to date this season.
Shels lost 2-0 to league leaders Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds last weekend but the manner of their performance impressed manager Alan Mathews, "Our players worked very hard all evening and kept at it until the end. Unfortunately we picked up a few injuries again, which hopefully will have cleared up before [the next] game.”
The teams met three times last season with the Louth side coming out on top on each occasion. It took an added time goal for the Drogs to secure a 2-1 victory in the Tolka Park chapter of the trilogy.
Shels, who are eleventh in the league, are again without Glenn Cronin who continues his recovery from injury. They may welcome back goalkeeper Ger Hanley if he can pass a late fitness test. Hanley will battle the impressive Niall Burdon for the starting goalkeeper position over the coming weeks.
DROGHEDA UNITED
Mick Cooke’s side will enter Friday’s game full of confidence after a solid display at Tallaght against Shamrock Rovers last Friday evening. Despite Gabriel Sava’s injury time heroics, the Louth side were comfortable throughout.
They travel to Shelbourne with numerous ex-Reds amongst their ranks. David Cassidy, Stephen Quigley, Alan Byrne, Eric Foley, Gary O'Neill & Peter Hynes all represented Shels over the last number of years.
Draws have been the status quo for the Drogs this season with their league record showing one win and five draws from the seven games played thus far. They lie in seventh place, but only one point behind fourth placed Shamrock Rovers.
Manager Mick Cooke knows Shels’ lowly league position does not reflect the talent they have throughout their squad. “I feel that Shels are currently in a false position. They have some really good players and they will be no easy match. But we need to start getting a few wins under our belt and that's what we will be going to do."
The Drogs were surprisingly beaten by Wayside Celtic in the Leinster Senior Cup on Tuesday evening. Michael Daly and Cathal Brady who made second half appearances in that game both miss out against Shels due to injuries picked up. Alan McNally made his first competitive start of the season against Wayside and he will be available for selection at Tolka Park.
Referee: Rob Rogers.
MATCH STATS
Shelbourne’s Sean Brennan will be coming up against his two brothers, Gavin and Ryan. Sean joined Shels from Drogheda United in late 2012.
Between them the two teams have played 13 league games this season, with Drogheda’s 2-1 victory over Bray Wanderers being the only win to date.
Shelbourne have failed to score in five of their six league games to date.
BETTING
Shelbourne 5/2, Draw 21/10, Drogheda United 11/10.
PREDICTION
Shelbourne 2-2 Drogheda United. Hard to call but the home side are due a performance and some goals.
Shelbourne
Injured: Glen Cronin.
Doubtful: Ger Hanley.
Suspended: None.
Drogheda United
Injured: Michael Daly, Cathal Brady.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
