Preview: Drogheda United vs Galway United

• Bar OSullivan
• Fri, Apr 04 2008




Following the abrupt sacking of Tony Cousins, caretaker Billy Clery and his recently appointed backroom team travel to United Park on Friday night for what will be their first game in charge. Drogheda, with two league defeats already, go into the game with nothing but a win on their minds

The sacking of Tony Cousins on Monday morning was a surprise to everyone involved in the game. Within a few short hours Clery was in place and then on Wednesday the rest of the interim management team were announced. Former team-mates of Cleary - Gareth Gormley, Mark Cobey and Stephen Lally are all involved in one way or another

Droghedas start to the season has been a long way off what one would expect from reigning champions. Manager Paul Doolin remains confident and knows that three points are a must - "We all know that we have to pick up three points on Friday. We haven't started as well as would have liked to".

While those involved with the Louth club have been down playing the poor results to date it should be remembered that last season Drogheda were defeated just three times in thirty three games - already this season after just four games the team has lost to Shamrock Rovers and Derry, while newly promoted Cobh are the only side they have scored against and beaten.

Galway have just a single point - however they have already played St Pats, Bohs and Rovers. In their other game they drew away at Cobh. Speaking last week before the Rovers game Tony Cousins had this to say " Both Bohs and St Pat's have started the season strongly, and will be challenging for the title and other honours come the end of the season - so in context, narrow defeats in these games is not the end of the world. Obviously it would be far better to come away with wins and draws against the top sides, but given the strength of their squads and the money behind them thats simple not going to happen all the time. Galway performed well against these sides and just like last season weren't outplayed or embarrassed."

Drogheda once again have a number of injuries to contend with. Shane Barrett, injured at the beginning of last season in a Setanta Cup tie against Linfield, is still not fully ready for a return to first team action. Goalkeeper Dan OConnor is ruled out and will see a specialist in the near future. Recent signing Shaun Maher is also still sidelined and Declan OBrien needs some more time before he can make a return. There seems to be some confusion over Sean Prunty - its unclear at the moment whether he is resting up or has retired. Striker Ibrahima Iyane Thiam is suspended as a result of his red card last week against Derry. The good news for Drogheda is that Jason Gavin is back fit and fighting for a place in the starting line up.

If Gavin is selected in the starting eleven it would allow Brian Shelley return to right back. Whether or not Stuart Byrne starts in midfield remains to be seen. A centre midfield pairing of him and Adam Hughes lacks creativity so Paul Keegan may be in line for another starting role.

Drogheda seem to be playing a more direct brand of football this season and that may offer some explanation as to why they have failed to score in three league games to date - as well as in a Setanta Cup tie against Cork. Theres no doubt this side potentially has goals in it - they certainly did last season, but it may take a set piece or a defensive error to get the ball rolling.

Like last weekend for the Rovers game Galway will again be missing a number of players. John Fitzgerald missed last Saturday through suspension and is a doubt this week with a hamstring problem. Alan Keane played his first football of the season when he came on for half an hour last week. He is injury free however his fitness isnt fully up to scratch. Winger Jay OShea has a niggling thigh strain and is unlikely to feature. Wes Charles returned to action too early last week and only lasted twenty minutes - he is also a major doubt. Stephen OFlynn is another who is not expected to play any part. His groin continues to be a problem. Both Daryl Robson and Derek Glynn have already been ruled out and John Lester is suspended. Local youngster Seamus Conneely may make his first competitive start.

Playing away, with a depleted squad, caretaker Clery may be tempted to play with five in midfield. One of Galways main problems last season, and indeed this season to date, has been a lack of a cutting edge, or a goal threat up front. With first choice strikers Glynn and OFlynn both probably missing its hard to see where the goals will come from - especially if they line up with just one upfront.

It looks like one of those ties where everyone is going to have to have a big game if Galway are to get anything.

Kick off at United Park is at 7.45pm