League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Cobh Ramblers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will look to return to both winning and goalscoring ways when they face Cobh Ramblers on Friday evening following the conclusion of the mid-season break (kick-off 7.45pm).

Tim Clancy’s side currently sit second in the league, level on points with Shels and seven points behind league leaders UCD.

However, the Boynesiders are without a win in their last three games, having drawn 1-1 with Shelbourne before losing to UCD and Longford, failing to score in both of those games for the first time this season.

Manager Tim Clancy remains positive, and is looking for his side to continue their impressive home form, where they are unbeaten in eight games this season.

“The result was obviously a disappointment but we’re in a really good position going into the last round of games,” he told the club's website.

“I’ve told the players that our season will be defined now by how we react in the next few weeks starting on Friday.

“We’ve been excellent at home so far this season and with back-to-back home games coming up, it’s vital we continue that.

Clancy will be without his captain and vice-captain for this game with Jake Hyland and Sean Brennan both suspended, and knows his side face a tough task against a Cobh side who come into this game off the back of two wins before the break.

“Results wise it’s probably been our first real dip this season so we’ll all be eager to get back on track.”



“Cobh have won their last two games so they’ll be full of confidence but we need to take care of ourselves and get another win on the board,” Clancy said.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh will be hoping the mid-season break hasn’t affected their form from before the break which saw them go three games unbeaten for the first time this season.

Ramblers drew 0-0 at home to Galway before picking up wins over Wexford and Athlone respectively.

Danny Murphy’s penalty and Stephen Christopher’s finish after good work from Denzil Fernandes saw Stephen Henderson’s side run out winners against Wexford despite Dean Kelly’s late goal for the visitors.

Cobh followed the Wexford win up with a 1-0 win over Athlone, thanks to a 72nd minute strike from substitute Ian Mylod.



Those results mean Cobh sit eighth in the league, eight points behind Longford, who sit in fourth, occupying the final playoff spot.

Cobh have no suspensions heading into this match but team news, regarding injuries, is unknown.

 

Referee: John McLoughlin.

 

MATCH STATS

Drogheda ran out 5-1 winners when these sides played for the first time this season at St. Coleman’s Park thanks to goals from Richie Purdy, Ciaran Kelly, Chris Lyons and two from Mark Doyle. Cian Leonard got a consolation for Cobh.

In the last seven meetings between these sides (six in 2016, one in 2018), Drogheda have won four, Cobh have won two and there has been one draw.

Cobh have scored 15 goals in 17 games this season, conceded 25, in comparison to Drogheda, who have scored 37 and conceded 16 in the same number of games.

 

BETTING

Drogheda United 8/15; Draw 11/4; Cobh Ramblers 9/2.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-1 Cobh Ramblers

 

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Sean Brennan, Jake Hyland.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.