St Patrick's Athletic v Drogheda United

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St. Pat’s welcome Drogheda United to Richmond Park on Friday evening as they attempt to maintain their lead at the top of the Airtricity League table.

The Saints have beaten Drogheda on twice already this season and will be looking to make it a clean sweep against the Boynesiders.

Pat’s narrowly beat Cork City last week thanks to a 94^th minute penalty from Killian Brennan.

Liam Buckley may have a full squad to choose from this week depending on whether or not Shane McFaul can overcome a groin injury that he picked up in the warm-up before last week’s clash.

Speaking to stpatsfc.com Buckley said: “Drogheda are always a tough side for any team to play against. We’ve had two tight games with them this year, they reached the Setanta Cup final earlier in the year and like ourselves are in the latter stages of the cup.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda make the trip to the Emmet Road on Friday evening in the hope of ending a poor run of form that has seen them slip to 8^th place in the league table, just four points above automatic relegation.

Drogs came away from Dalymount Park with a point last week after having a stoppage time goal that would have seen them get the victory, disallowed.

Manager Mick Cooke admitted that last week’s incident was a blow to the team. “Last week was a bit of a kick in the teeth, it's not the first time we've conceded a late goal this year, but the lads will pick themselves up and re-focus on the task in hand.”

He was also well aware of the tough few days that his side has coming up, with a trip to Derry on Monday night as well as Friday’s game. “It's a tough few days ahead, with the trip to Richmond Park and then Monday's trip to Derry, it's going to test the players, but with the way our season has gone, we are used to playing so many games in quick succession.”

The Boynesiders will be without Eric Foley for Friday’s match as he is still two to three weeks away from full fitness after undergoing a hernia operation. Alan McNally returns to full fitness for the trip to Inchicore.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda were one of only three sides to record a win against St Pat’s in Richmond Park last year

St Pat’s haven’t lost a game at home since 2^nd April.

Drogheda have only scored three goals in their last six league matches and haven’t recorded a victory in their last eight.

BETTING

St Pat’s 2/5; Draw 10/3; Drogheda 13/2.

PREDICTION

St Pat’s 2-0 Drogheda.

St Patrick’s Ath

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Shane McFaul.
Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Eric Foley (hernia).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.