Friendly Preview: Drogheda United -v- Ipswich Town

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United enter Saturday's friendly with Ipswich Town at United Park (kick-off 2pm) at somewhat of a low ebb.

Friday night's compehensive home defeat to fellow relegation strugglers Finn Harps (read Gerard Grimes' match report here) condemned the Drogs to the bottom of the table.

Goals from Eddie Dsane, direct from a free kick in the fourth minute, and Danny Morrissey's second-half strike sealed a comfortable win for the travelling Harps.

Recent weeks have seen hometown boy Killian Brennan leave the club along with striker Marc Griffin and Gareth McCaffrey as the squad takes on an increasingly threadbare look.

As such, the opportunity to host the English Championship club will be a welcome distraction for Pete Mahon's side.

Squad depth has been a problem for Drogs this season, however, and few of those who played 90 minutes last night can be expected to appear again less than 24 hours later.

Gavin Brennan, Colm Deasy and Stephen Elliott remain absent through injury, so under-19 striker Stephen Meaney, who made his debut against Shamrock Rovers two weeks ago, could lead the line.

IPSWICH TOWN

Mick McCarthy has brought a youtthful squad to Ireland for their pre-season training camp at Carton House in Dublin with a number of senior players given extra time off.

Ireland's David McGoldrick and New Zealander Tommy Smith are two of of the players excused after their international excursions over the summer.

Andre Dozell – son of Tottenham Hotspur legend Jason – is also absent after representing England at the under-19 European Championships in Georgia.

Smith played in a friendly against Cabinteely at Stradbrook Park before heading to the Confederations Cup in Russia while McGoldrick played for Ireland against Mexico in New Jersey.

Former Shelbourne midfielder Adam McDonnell is one of the young players included in the trip alongside Flynn Downes, George Fowler, Tristan Nydam and Pat Webber.

Former Newcastle United Steven Taylor has also travelled to Dublin as he looks to prove his fitness and earn a deal with the East Anglia club.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

Ipswich Town are regular visitors to Irish shores as they prepare for the English season and they played Shelbourne 12 months ago at Tolka Park, winning 2-1.

Dylan Grimes scored for the home side after Brett Pitman and Cole Skuse had given Mick McCarthy's side a two-goal cushion.

Drogheda United hosted English side MK Dons in a friendly last July, Lloyd Buckley scoring for the hosts as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.

BETTING

Drogheda United 13/1; Draw 15/2; Ipswich Town 1/12.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 0 – 3 Ipswich Town

Drogheda United

Injured: Gavin Brennan, Colm Deasy, Stephen Elliott.

Doubtful: None.

Ipswich Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.