Drogheda United -v- Galway United

• Eimear Taaffe
• Thu, Jun 24 2010


World Cup fever may have well taken over and filled the football void left by the mid-season break, but it is now back to the Airtricity League of Ireland we must turn our attentions.

Sean Connor's Galway United travel cross country in the first game after the break to take on the Boynesiders. Drogheda United were flying high going into the free period, and perhaps the break came at the wrong time for the Louth men who were doing well under Darius Kierans. However, over the break controversy has been sparked about the appointment of Kierans as Drogheda manager, and fans will be hoping that it will not affect this crucial encounter with the Tribesmen.

Coming into the tie Galway United have drawn with Dundalk, UCD and Bohemians and lost to the Ravens of Fingal. Drogheda United’s start on the other hand has been shaky to say the least. The last four games see the form of two draws, one with lowly Bray Wanderers and the other against fourth place Shamrock Rovers, however the Bit O’Red put six past the Boynesiders in their biggest win this season.

Yet despite this, Darius Kierans' Claret and Blue army managed to grind out a 2-1 victory when played St. Patrick's Athletic at the end of May. Both teams have lost only one of their last four fixtures and with only six points in the difference, there has never been a more important time to pick up a win with the two sides vying to avoid the foot of the table.

The home side have a limited team to pick from with first team regulars Joe Kendrick, Eric McGill and Jamie Duffy all suspended for the tie. Defender Jamie Harris will remain out of action for at least another two weeks, while young Darragh McNamara will return to training this week. Robbie Martin also remains a long term absentee. All of this leaves twelve available players, two of which are goalkeepers, however the youth system at Hunky Dory Park is providing talent to fill the gaps.

Sean Connor may have Derek O'Brien back after a stomach muscle problem forced him to miss the last nine matches for Galway United.

Venue: Hunky dory Park, Drogheda

Paddypower.com Odds: Drogheda United 7/5, Draw 21/10, Galway United 17/10

Drogheda United
Suspended: Joe Kendrick, Eric McGill, Jamie Duffy
Injured: Jamie Harris (knee), Robbie Martin
Doubtful: none

Galway United
Suspended: none
Injured: Derek O’Brien