League Preview: Drogheda United - v - Shamrock Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Relegated Drogheda United host Shamrock Rovers in their penultimate home game of the season on Saturday afternoon (kick off 3pm).

The Boynesiders’ relegation back to the First Division was finally confirmed by a 2-1 defeat to Derry City at Maginn Park last week, with manager Pete Mahon accepting the responsibility.

“It had been coming but it doesn’t lessen the blow, getting relegated is a terrible feeling,” Mahon told the club’s official website. “I’ve made mistakes this season and the buck stops with me, this is on my shoulders."

Mahon has not been pleased with comments made by some pundits in recent weeks regarding some of his players and stated that the pundits should remember how tough they found playing at a young age.

“I did take issue though with some of the pundits out there who have criticised our players over the last few weeks. We have a very young squad who have been learning at this level and it is my job as a manager to protect them.

“I think a lot of those pundits could do with remembering how tough it was for them at that age. A lot of these players will have big futures in the game and this season will stand to both them and the club,” Mahon said.

The 70-year-old manager is under contract for next season and is already looking ahead, having spoken to a number of players from the current squad about signing back with Drogheda to play in the First Division.

“There is a lot of talent in this group and we’ve already began putting the ground work in for next season. I’ve spoken to a number of players about next year and all the talks have been really positive. The players know the type of people we are and what we’re trying to achieve here.

“Obviously there’ll be incomings and outgoings at the end of the season. I’m eager to add real experience and the right attitude but if we keep the core of what we have as well as adding from the underage group, we’ll be doing well,” said Mahon.

Despite being relegated, Drogheda could yet have a major say on the table come the end of the season as after playing the Hoops, they face Limerick, Harps and Sligo, who are all fighting to stay in the Premier Division.

“We have four games left to play and we’ll be giving it our all. We won’t disrespect the integrity of the league as we play three of the teams facing relegation, as well as Rovers who are going for Europe.”

“We beat Rovers here earlier in the season and it would be a good feat for us to do the double over them,” Mahon said.

Drogheda will be without the injured Stephen Dunne, Sean Russell and Jake Hyland while Chris Mulhall is suspended with Thomas Byrne is on international duty.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops will look to close in on securing European football for next season as they return to league action against relegated Drogheda at United Park.

Rovers come into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw in their FAI Cup semi-final against Dundalk in a game where manager Stephen Bradley believes his side deserved at least the replay that they earned.

The Lilywhites had taken an early lead through Robbie Benson but Brandon Miele’s strike fourteen minutes from time earned the Hoops a replay, despite David McAllister’s red card which came shortly after Miele’s goal.

“We responded really well in Dundalk after the first 20-25 minutes maybe, especially in the second half I thought we were excellent,” Bradley told the club’s official website.

“I think it shows the talent in the team that we were able to start again despite starting so poorly, massive credit to the players for that.

"Ronan Finn’s second half performance typifies him. He plays with so much energy and drive and that was typified by the goal he created. It looked like he had nowhere to go but he dug out a cross to Brandon who is excellent around the box."

"We were the team pushing on until the sending off. You don’t like losing players in big games and were disappointed obviously. If it stays 11 v 11 we had a good chance of winning. I don’t think there’s any doubt that we deserved a replay at least," Bradley said.

One of Drogheda’s four victories in the league this season was over Shamrock Rovers at United Park in April in what Bradley says was of their “worst performances of the season” but with the Boynesiders now relegated, he expects them to play without fear.

"Drogheda will play with freedom and no fear. They’ve just been relegated so the shackles are off. They can go and play now so we’ve got to be ready for that, respect the game that it’s going to be and perform to our levels.

“I think it’s plain to see, anyone who’s watched us throughout the season that we’re a different team to the one that played up in United Park at the start of the year. We’re a better side but it’s up to us to go and show that and put on a performance.”

Bradley said that his side have a few players struggling with injuries, including Trevor Clarke, who will be assessed ahead of the game.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

MATCH STATS

All four of Drogheda’s victories this season came in the opening series of games. One of those wins was against Shamrock Rovers, a first win over the Hoops at United Park for Drogheda since 2005.

The second meeting between these sides this season saw Rovers come away with a 4-1 victory at Tallaght Stadium, with all the goals being scored in the second half.

Over their last five league games, Rovers are the second most in form team in the league, behind Dundalk, winning four and losing one of their last five games. Drogheda meanwhile, have lost their last seven games and are without a win in their last 19 league games.

BETTING

Drogheda United 11/1; Draw 9/2; Shamrock Rovers 1/4.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers.

Drogheda United

Injured: Stephen Dunne, Sean Russell, Jake Hyland.   

Unavailable: Thomas Byrne (international duty – Ireland U19’s).

Suspended: Chris Mulhall.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Paul Corry.

Doubtful: Trevor Clarke.

Suspended: None.