20.00 8 Aug 2014 -
Referee: Neil Doyle
League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Dundalk
- Macdara Ferris
- Fri, Aug 08 2014
DROGHEDA UNITED
The Drogs welcome league leaders Dundalk to United Park for Friday’s Louth derby (kick off 8pm). The home side come into the game having won three of their last four league games, including last week’s impressive 4-0 win over UCD in Damien Richardson’s first game in charge.
“I was expecting a high caliber performance from the players against UCD but the result did exceed my expectations,” was Richardson’s assessment of his first game back in the League of Ireland in seven seasons. “I can see the merits in the team and I was hoping that if we could improve the tempo that it would lead to a better performance. You’re in the laps of the gods when it comes to goals and I was delighted for Gary O’Neill to score twice as he was excellent in the lone forward role. When the goals flow like that it can be surprising but always very welcoming.”
This game marks the start of the final third of the league campaign for both teams. It is a tough task the Drogs face against a Dundalk side who are on an 11 match unbeaten run in the league, their best since 2006/07. However, recent history favours Richardson’s side. A win for Drogheda would give them three consecutive wins at home against the Lilywhites, which would be their best return in a decade.
“Confidence is high amongst the players as it has been a very optimistic week for all involved with Drogheda. The players are starting to realise that they are capable of special performances, both individually and collectively, but what they need to augment is the individual demands that they place on themselves. That is imperative when the opposition is of a higher class like Dundalk. I would love to see a similar style of performance as last week against what is the best side in the league.
“Dundalk mix the game up well; they can go long to their centre forwards but they also play good football. Above all else, I think it is their excellent work ethic that makes them such an strong side but not many clubs like coming to Drogheda. The tight pitch and the close proximity of the crowd makes it a very special place and we must make it a fortress.
“A positive result to me has to come from a positive performance. The real demand from me is that we produce a positive display every week and if someone can be us at our best then good luck to them.”
Richardson will have Paul Andrews available to him as he has finished serving his four match suspension earned following his dismissal in the defeat to Sligo last month.
DUNDALK
Dundalk come into Friday’s game sitting six points clear at the top of the table. Domestically they are on a 14 match unbeaten run but face the prospect of losing back-to-back matches at United Park for the first time since 1998.
Defeat won’t be on their minds though, as Stephen Kenny’s men come into the game buoyed by the return of talismanic player Richie Towell to the team following his recent suspension, coupled with qualifying during the week for the EA Sports Cup final. Their emphatic 5-0 win over Wexford Youths in last Monday’s semi-final sets up a final against Shamrock Rovers which will be played in Oriel Park next month.
Having beaten their nearest challengers Cork City on the road last week, they are looking to earn themselves another three points away from home in this Louth derby. “It was a dramatic win last week at Turner’s Cross over Cork City,” said Stephen Kenny speaking to dundalkfc.com about the win, earned thanks to Brian Gartland’s goal seven minutes from time. “It was a great win for us and to strike so late in the game was important for us but it is another three points. It was a continuation of our terrific run of form. The players have been fantastic and last Friday was another example of that.
“We know that no one is going to give us anything. We have to earn everything that we get. We have to go and earn every three points and Friday is no different. We are ready to roll our sleeves up and work hard. We are looking forward to the game and we have prepared properly so we’ll go there with confidence to get the win.”
Mark Rossiter spoke to dundalkfc.com about their EA Sports Cup semi-final win. “It’s great for the club to get to another Cup final,” said the defender. “I have been a part of them myself down the years but it’s good for those around the squad to get games and the Cup competitions are the best way to do that. It is great to be in another showpiece event so hopefully we can get over the line.
“We have 11 games left and we are taking it each game as it comes. We aren’t going in to any match expecting to walk it. We’re taking each game on its merits whether that is a Louth derby or whatever it is we are fully focused on it. We know that if we keep doing what we’re doing we can beat anyone but we’ve prepared properly and we’re looking forward to the game.”
Referee: Neil Doyle.
MATCH STATS
Dundalk are the highest scorers in the division with 54 goals in the league. Overall they have notched 80 goals in all competitions with 16 different scorers. Dundalk need one goal to equal their total goal tally from the 2013 season and two to beat it.
Between them Pat Hoban, Richie Towell and David McMillan have scored 39 goals in all competitions. Hoban has 12 in the league, Towell nine with McMillan four.
From the previous 155 senior matches between the Louth sides, Dundalk have 81 wins, there have been 38 draws and the Drogs have earned 36 wins.
BETTING
Drogheda 6/1; Draw 3/1; Dundalk 4/9.
PREDICTION
2-1 away win
Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Stephen Maher.
Suspended: None.
Dundalk
Injured: Stephen O’Donnell.
Doubtful: Simon Kelly.
Suspended: None.
About Macdara Ferris
Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl …