Drogheda United vs Cobh Ramblers

• Simon Carter
• Tue, Sep 30 2008




Drogheda United take on Cobh Ramblers on Tuesday night, knowing that a win will leave them just one point off Derry City in third place in the league.

Having drawn 1-1 with Galway United on Friday night, despite creating a number of chances, United will be looking for 3 points at home to Galway's relegation-threatened rivals. Manager Paul Doolin admitted he wasn't happy with the result, but was pleased by his team's performance. "In fairness to Galway, they've improved greatly this year, and they played well. I thought we played well too though, and created a lot of chances. But other than Eamon (Zayed), at the moment we can't seem to score. We dominated the second half I thought, but we just didn't take our chances."

Zayed has scored 6 goals in his last 6 games and once again the pressure will be on him to deliver, as United have three of their strikeforce out injured (Guy Bates, Declan O'Brien and Shane Barrett). Ibrahima Iyane-Thiam returns from suspension and will be challenging Fahrudin Kuduzovic for a starting spot. Goalkeeper Dan Connor is also out, though he is expected back training soon.

Doolin is expecting a tough test from Cobh, who are scrapping for survival at the foot of the table. "I expect it to be similar to the Galway game. We gave Galway an early goal and we can't do that against Cobh. If we play as well as we have been though, and take our chances, there's no reason why we can't win. That's what we have to focus on."

Coming off the back of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers last Saturday, manager Stephen Henderson will hope his side will show more of the battling spirit displayed in the 1-1 draw against Cork City the week previous. With seven games left to play, and 8 points away from relegation safety, Henderson’s men will need all the points they can manage or face life in the First next season.

Extratime.ie Prediction :We here at Extratime.ie think Drogheda will be too strong for Cobh, as they chance third place in the league. 2-0 is our prediction.