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Preview: Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers

Friday 25th May 2007, 10:45 am

Ollie Cahill (left) has overcome a knock for Drogheda.

Photo by Tom Carey.

Drogheda United will be hoping to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season to league leaders Saint Patrick's Athletic on Monday night. The Drogs host Shamrock Rovers at United Park on Friday - the third time the sides have met in just over a month.

Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers
(United Park - 7:45 pm - Premier)
Referee : Ian Stokes

One of those previous meetings saw Drogheda field a team made up entirely of underage players and it was no surprise Rovers ran out easy winners in that League Cup tie. Prior to that Rovers had run Drogheda close at Tolka Park - coming back from 2-0 down a late goal made things interesting before the Drogs held on for all three points.

Drogheda now trail St. Pats by five points and although the Drogs do have a game in hand, they will be hoping to avoid having the Saints extend their lead beyond the current gap.

Rovers saw their game with Waterford abandoned after an hour last weekend with the game level at 1-1. Manager Pat Scully was far from pleased with his players performances and even suggested it was partly a relief a poor game had been cut short.

Rovers go into the game just about middle of the table. In seventh place they are twelve points off the top and thirteen points off the bottom.

Drogheda's injury crisis does seem to be easing slightly. Declan O'Brien and Shane Barrett remain sidelined possibly until next year but a number of the squad's other injuries are beginning to heal. Richie Baker, goalkeeper Dan Connor and Jason Gavin have all begun taking steps towards their returns after recent injuries. Ollie Cahill has recovered from the leg injury which forced him off before the end in Monday's loss. Simon Webb and Stephen Gray are both rated as doubtful and may undergo late fitness tests.

Eric McGill, Derek Pender and Paul Shiels all look set to remain sidelined for Rovers and could be joined by Aidan Price but Tommy Barrett could return after overcoming the effects of whiplash.

League form for Drogheda United : LDDWW
League form for Shamrock Rovers : LWLLD

Previous meeting(s) : Drogheda United 0-3 Shamrock Rovers (08/05/2007)
Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Drogheda United (20/04/2007)
Drogheda United 0-0 Shamrock Rovers (07/10/2005)
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Drogheda United (08/07/2005)
Drogheda United 2-1 Shamrock Rovers (15/04/2005)
IrishFootballOnline.com Prediction: Home win.