League Preview: Drogheda United -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will aim to end a thirteen game winless run when they host St. Patrick’s Athletic in what is another relegation six pointer.

The Boynesiders earned a point away to Sligo two weeks ago after four defeats in a row prior to that fixture. However, Drogheda suffered a major setback in their battle to avoid relegation last week as they fell to a 4-1 defeat to relegation rivals Galway.

“We know results haven’t been good enough but if we can replicate this week’s training on Friday, I’m confident we’ll get a result,” Mahon told www.droghedaunited.ie.

Mahon has called on his players to deliver a big performance on Friday in what he called Drogheda’s biggest game since they beat Wexford in the play-off last year to earn promotion.

“I said back then (after first leg defeat vs Wexford) that it wasn’t over and I believe that again now. St Pat’s have shown what a couple of wins can do to move you up that league table.”

“It’s a massive game for us. We owe the fans a big performance and I think the players will deliver that on Friday,” Mahon said.

In team news, Drogheda will again be without the injured Kevin Farragher, Ciaran McGuigan and Gavin Brennan but will be boosted by the return of Ryan Masterson and Richie Purdy.

New signing Jack Bayly is expected to be available to face his former club pending clearance from the FAI.

ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St. Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to move further clear of the relegation zone as they take on Drogheda at United Park on Friday evening.

The Saints had gone eight games without a win after they beat Drogheda at Richmond Park in May. However, back to back home wins against Derry City and Bray Wanderers have seen Liam Buckley’s side move out of the relegation zone.

"We've all been much happier with our levels of performance in the past few weeks, however we know from our last games against Drogheda that they are very committed side so if we don't match them for effort and intensity, we could struggle," Buckley told www.stpatsfc.com.

Buckley believes that his players’ performance in training has resulted into Pat’s improvement in form.

"If we can continue along that line, hopefully we can come away with another three points," Buckley said.

Darren Dennehy and Gavin Peers are close to returning to full fitness but will miss the trip to United Park. Owen Garvan also misses out as he serves the last of a three game suspension but new signing Ian Turner will be available to make his debut for the Saints.

"It's never easy to go up there and get a result. The pitch is tight and the local crowd get behind Drogheda a lot so we know it'll be a tough game," Turner told www.stpatsfc.com.    

Referee: Paul Tuite.

MATCH STATS

Both meetings between these sides this season have ended in 2-0 victories, the first for Drogheda at United Park in March and the second for St. Pat’s in Richmond Park in May.

Drogheda have scored just sixteen goals in their 23 league games this season, conceding 47, with a goal difference of -31, meaning they have the worst offensive and defensive records in the league this season.

In contrast, Pat’s have failed to score in just four of their games this season, scoring 27 and conceding 26 in 23 games.

BETTING

Drogheda United 4/1; Draw 14/5; St. Patrick’s Athletic 4/6.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-3 St. Patrick’s Athletic.

Drogheda United

Injured: Kevin Farragher, Ciaran McGuigan, Gavin Brennan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Darren Dennehy, Gavin Peers.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Owen Garvan.