League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Cork City

DROGHEDA UNITED

Newly promoted Drogheda United have enjoyed a fine start to the season with back to back wins over Galway United and St. Patrick’s Athletic. 

Drogheda ran out deserved winners over St. Pat’s at United Park last week thanks to a Jake Hyland goal and a Pat Cregg own goal in a game Drogheda boss Pete Mahon described as “all blood and thunder”.

“We restricted them to just a couple of chances and then scored at a critical point in the game. We defended very well throughout and deserved the win. It was great to see a good performance last the 90 minutes,” Mahon told www.droghedaunited.ie. 

Like Cork, the Boynesiders have also recorded two clean sheets from their opening two games with Mahon pleased to see his side progressing from last season.

“It’s been very rewarding to have two clean sheets from two games. We conceded far too many goals for my liking last season and it’s great to see progress in the team. We play an attacking brand of football but it’s all about finding the right balance.”

Mahon will again have to plan without long term absentee Killian Brennan while Thomas Byrne and Jake Hyland who are both doubtful after picking up knocks in the win over St. Pat’s last week.

However, the Drogheda manager is confident that his side can challenge the Leesiders on Friday and has called on the home support to come out in force again.

“I hope the fans come out in force for us again. I thought they were fantastic last week and hopefully with better weather conditions, we’ll have even more backing on Friday. Winning our home games is the secret to a successful season so hopefully our fans can give us the boost to get the win.”

CORK CITY

Like their hosts on Friday night, Cork City have started their season with two wins from two games, thanks to victories over Finn Harps and Galway United.

Three teams will be relegated this season and while Cork are expected to be battling for the league title, their opponents Drogheda are among the favourites for the drop. However, Caulfield believes that some teams will surprise people this season.

“I think there are going to be surprises this season. Too many people assumed, before a ball was kicked, that certain teams were going to go down, but I always felt that some teams would surprise people.”

Caulfield will be without the injured John Kavanagh while both Sean Maguire and Johnny Dunleavy are doubtful ahead of the trip to Louth. However, Garry Buckley does return from suspension.

The Cork manager knows the task facing his side on Friday evening as they look to continue their winning start to the season against what he describes as a “hard-working, feet on the ground” side.

“Pete Mahon and John Gill have a great work ethic and the team they have built at Drogheda is a typical team for them; hard-working, feet on the ground and they will be a thorn in the side for any team they face this season,” Caulfield said to www.corkcityfc.ie. 

Cork have scored five goals in their opening two goals with four of those coming in the win over Galway United last week and Caulfield has said that his side will again need to be clinical if they are to come away with all three points.

“They have some very good players, some hard grafters and some good, hungry young players. Historically, Drogheda has always been a tough venue and a tight ground, so it has all the hallmarks of being a tight game.”

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

These sides have faced each other sixty times in the league, with Cork winning 30, Drogheda winning 11 and the remaining nineteen games ending level.

Cork City have won eight of the last ten league meetings between the two sides while the other two games ended in draws.

Drogheda last beat Cork in an EA Sports Cup tie at United Park as the Louth side ran out 3-0 victors on the night thanks to goals from Jason Marks, Alan McNally and Ryan Brennan.

BETTING

Drogheda United 6/1; Draw 11/4; Cork City 8/15. .

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-2 Cork City

Drogheda United

Injured: Killian Brennan (broken collarbone).

Doubtful: Jake Hyland, Thomas Byrne.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: John Kavanagh.

Doubtful: Sean Maguire (hamstring), Johnny Dunleavy.

Suspended: None.