Drogheda United -v- Derry City
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Drogheda United host Derry City on Friday night at Hunky Dorys Park as the Louth side look for their first points of the 2011 campaign. (Kick off 7.45pm)
Drogheda United have been somewhat unfortunate in their opening two games not to pick up points, losing both by the narrowest of margins. Despite the losses there are plenty of positives to take from the games as they held a strong UCD side for 80 minutes before conceding and they held Bohs for an hour before going behind.
Derry City have the weight of expectancy on their shoulders as Stephen Kenny has managed to hold on to the majority of his 2010 squad and the Candystripes produced a good display to beat UCD at the Belfield Bowl last week.
The sides last crossed swords in September 2009 when Derry travelled to Drogheda looking to avenge a shock 1-0 win for the Boynesiders and the duly obliged beating the Drogs 3-1 on their own patch. A brace from Mark Farren either side of a Tam McManus goal secured the win for Stephen Kennys side.
Mick Cooke’s only injury worry is to David Quirke. The stand-in keeper was recently promoted to first choice as Robert Duggan decided to pursue employment in England, a very understandable decision. Quirke put in a good performance against Bohs despite suffering from a groin strain and the recently signed Mark Trimble is ready to step in if required.
Stephen Kenny on the other hand is facing enforced changes to his back four as Eddie McCallion is suspended for the clash and Stewart Greacan has suffered a broken hand. Greacan was shocked to have been told that be had broken his hand in the game against UCD after getting x-rays on Sunday after complaining of a sore hand.
Kenny will be waiting on news of Emmet Friars who is having a cyst drained and he may be able to step into the rearguard. Thomas McBride may also be handed a first start this season while Kevin Deery may also be called into the squad after training with the team on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the game Drogheda manager Mick Cooke has expressed his desire for a more attack minded team. “We need to improve in the final third and I’ll certainly play two strikers because I fell we are getting fitter and we’re able to go with two.” He also added that his side need to be more adventurous with this being a home match.
Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Robert Duggan
Suspended: None
Derry City
Injured: Stewart Greacan
Doubtful: Emmet Friars.
Suspended: Eddie McCallion.
Referee: P Sutton
Paddy Power odds: Drogheda United 4/1; Draw 23/10; Derry City 8/11
Extratime Prediction: A 1-1 Draw
Drogheda United have been somewhat unfortunate in their opening two games not to pick up points, losing both by the narrowest of margins. Despite the losses there are plenty of positives to take from the games as they held a strong UCD side for 80 minutes before conceding and they held Bohs for an hour before going behind.
Derry City have the weight of expectancy on their shoulders as Stephen Kenny has managed to hold on to the majority of his 2010 squad and the Candystripes produced a good display to beat UCD at the Belfield Bowl last week.
The sides last crossed swords in September 2009 when Derry travelled to Drogheda looking to avenge a shock 1-0 win for the Boynesiders and the duly obliged beating the Drogs 3-1 on their own patch. A brace from Mark Farren either side of a Tam McManus goal secured the win for Stephen Kennys side.
Mick Cooke’s only injury worry is to David Quirke. The stand-in keeper was recently promoted to first choice as Robert Duggan decided to pursue employment in England, a very understandable decision. Quirke put in a good performance against Bohs despite suffering from a groin strain and the recently signed Mark Trimble is ready to step in if required.
Stephen Kenny on the other hand is facing enforced changes to his back four as Eddie McCallion is suspended for the clash and Stewart Greacan has suffered a broken hand. Greacan was shocked to have been told that be had broken his hand in the game against UCD after getting x-rays on Sunday after complaining of a sore hand.
Kenny will be waiting on news of Emmet Friars who is having a cyst drained and he may be able to step into the rearguard. Thomas McBride may also be handed a first start this season while Kevin Deery may also be called into the squad after training with the team on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the game Drogheda manager Mick Cooke has expressed his desire for a more attack minded team. “We need to improve in the final third and I’ll certainly play two strikers because I fell we are getting fitter and we’re able to go with two.” He also added that his side need to be more adventurous with this being a home match.
Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Robert Duggan
Suspended: None
Derry City
Injured: Stewart Greacan
Doubtful: Emmet Friars.
Suspended: Eddie McCallion.
Referee: P Sutton
Paddy Power odds: Drogheda United 4/1; Draw 23/10; Derry City 8/11
Extratime Prediction: A 1-1 Draw
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night. View Full Profile