League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Drogheda United

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely will look to extend their seven-game unbeaten run when they host promotion chasing Drogheda United at Stradbrook on Friday evening (kick-off 7pm).

It has been an excellent few weeks results wise for Cabinteely with two consecutive one-nil victories over Shelbourne and Longford Town.

Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters scored the winner in both as Cabo continued their rise to the top of the table.

While there has been plenty said during the build-up to this week’s clash at home to Drogheda United, Cabinteely boss Pat Devlin has heaped praise on the attitude of his squad.

“It has been nothing but hard work,” he told the club’s media team.

“We just have to keep plodding along. The lads have been doing great. Their attitude has been great. They have been training hard.”

He added: “The staff – Eddie Gormley, Graham O’Hanlon, Paul Heffernan and John Power – are doing a fantastic job. At this moment in time, we’ll just get on with it.”

Kieran Butler continues to miss out as does Paul Fox and Oisin McMenamin who have all struggled with injuries so far this season.

Vilius Labutis also misses out after picking an injury which forced him off early against Longford last time out.  

DROGHEDA UNITED

After an excellent 3-2 victory over Limerick last time out, Drogheda United make the difficult trip to Stradbrook to face top of the table Cabinteely.

The Boynesiders suffered a heavy defeat last time out against the South Dubliners as Rob Manley proved the downfall of his former employers with a sensational hat-trick at United Park in March.

Drogheda have since gone on a run of five wins in eight which has seen Tim Clancy’s side rise up to fourth in the First Division table.

Speaking after last weekend’s win over Limerick, Drogheda assistant Kevin Doherty admitted that he is hoping from an improved showing from his side at Stradbrook Park.

“We were awful when we played them earlier in the season, so we’ll be looking to correct that,” the ex-Shelbourne manager told the league website.

“We’ll have a look at them on Saturday night against Longford but hopefully we can get a result and get closer to them in the table.”

Drogheda will enter proceedings on Saturday evening without the services of Thomas Byrne and Adam Wixted who remain side-lined. Paul Skinner is also a doubt due to a quad complaint. 

Referee: Marc Lynch.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United have the best attacking record in the First Division with 21 goals to their name so far this season.

Drogheda have never defeated Cabinteely at Stradbrook in the League of Ireland. Their most recent venture to the South Dublin venue resulted in a 2-2 draw.

Cabinteely have only lost once this season after scoring first.

That defeat came against Bohemians in the EA Sports Cup as a youthful Cabo pushed the Gypsies all the way at Dalymount Park.

BETTING

Cabinteely 11/10; Draw 21/10; Drogheda United 21/10.

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1-1 Drogheda United

Cabinteely

Injured: Oisin McMenamin, Vilius Labutis, Paul Fox.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Thomas Byrne, Adam Wixted.

Doubtful: Paul Skinner.

Suspended: None.