League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Cabinteely

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda could find themselves top of the league for the first time since March should they take all three points from their clash with Cabinteely (kick-off 7.45pm).

Tim Clancy's side cut the gap between themselves and league leaders UCD to two points with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park last week.

Top scorer Sean Brennan netted his sixth goal of the season late on to take the Boynesiders three points clear of their promotion rivals in second place.

A second-string Drogs side were eliminated from the Leinster Senior Cup by Bluebell United on Tuesday, but promotion remains the aim for Clancy's outfit.

“It felt like a massive win for us,” Clancy told the club's official website.

“It’s a great result but it won’t count for much if we don’t follow it up on Friday. It should be a really good game given that both sides are in great form at the moment.

“Cabinteely seem to have played their best football this season against the stronger sides in the First Division having beaten ourselves, UCD and Shelbourne already.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice out there a few weeks ago and this is an opportunity for us to make up for it.

“It’s incredibly tight at the top of the table and we know we’ll need all three points if we want to keep the pace.”

Lee Duffy is suspended for Drogheda, while Stephen Meaney is the only injury absentee.

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely facilitated Drogheda's title ambitions last week as they surprised leaders UCD with a 2-0 reverse at Stradbrook Park.

Goals from Jack Watson and Luke Clucas saw Cabo to their first win in three and lifted them back above Cobh Ramblers into seventh position.

Cabo have already beaten Drogheda once this season – inflicting their first defeat of the season with a 3-2 scoreline in Stradbrook – and will take confidence from that result.

No team news has yet been provided by the south Dublin club.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides last meeting took place in March at Stadbrook Park, with Drogs falling to a 3-2 defeat, their first of the season.

A brace from Steven Ball, along with Marty Waters' opener, was enough for victory despite former Cabo striker Gareth McCaffrey netting twice for Drogheda.

BETTING

Drogheda United 4/7; Draw 11/4; Cabinteely 4/1.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2 – 1 Cabinteely

Drogheda United

Injured: Stephen Meaney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Lee Duffy.

Cabinteely

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Unavailable.