19.45 17 Apr 2015 -
Referee:
League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Cork City
- Josh Dolan
- Thu, Apr 16 2015
DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda will be looking to end their recent rut of five games without a win, when they entertain John Caulfield's Cork City on Friday night.
Despite this poor run of results, Drogs boss Johnny McDonnell insists that the spirits of his side remain high.
“Morale has been great within the squad and I think that is due to the players understanding that we are not that far away from clicking," McDonnell said.
"We’ve had some difficult games of late but performances have gradually improved and we are all looking forward to challenging ourselves against Cork,” McDonnell added.
Last Friday saw the Drogs lose the Louth derby following a late strike from Dundalk midfielder Richie Towell. Despite the result, McDonnell believes his side can take lots of positives from the tie.
“We’d done a lot of video analysis on Dundalk going into the game and I think our preparation was spot on.
“I know we were beaten, but it was a very positive performance. There were signs in the game that the players were really starting to understand their roles and fitness levels have also improved," the 50 year-old continued.
Analysing Friday night's opponents, the ex-Shels boss believes that City will provide a physical challenge for his team.
“Cork are a big and strong direct team. They like to play compact away from home and give very little space for teams to play in. While they counter attack with the pace of Billy Dennehy and Karl Sheppard," the Drogs boss explained.
United will be without Neil Yadolahi for the visit of the Rebels. However, Drogs boss Johnny McDonnell has been handed a boost, with the news that Sean Thornton and Alan Byrne will be available following respective injuries.
CORK CITY
The Rebels face their third away game in 12 days, as they travel to United Park on Friday night.
Last Friday night saw Caulfield's men draw 0-0 with St Patrick's Athletic, while City booked their place in the EA Sports Cup quarter-finals by beating Munster rivals Waterford United 2-0 on the previous Monday.
Heading into Friday's trip, City boss Caulfield revealed that he was expecting a tough game at the home of the Drogs.
“It is a huge game for us again and we all know the quality of players they have," Caulfield said.
"Drogheda away is always a tough venue at a very tight ground, and they will definitely be up for it," the City legend furthered.
Caulfield also explained how his side's early season form and defensive stability has helped give his side confidence for the rest of the season.
“When you are keeping clean sheets, it gives confidence to the team overall and it also gives you a good chance of winning matches.
"After eight games, we will have played five away from home, with three of those being against the potential title challengers; I think we have done exceptionally well,” the City boss concluded.
Striker Karl Sheppard is set to miss the trip to Louth after picking up a calf problem. Colin Healy, who has missed a couple of recent games is set to feature after training this morning, while John O'Flynn could also feature after recovering from a knock.
Referee: David McKeon
MATCH STATS
John Caulfield’s side conceded just 14 goals on the road in the whole of last season.
Drogheda netted the most home league goals outside the top five of the Premier Division in 2014.
Cork’s last trip to Louth saw them lose 2-0 to Dundalk, who went on to win the league that night.
BETTING
Drogheda United 5/1; Draw 11/4; Cork City 4/7.
PREDICTION
Drogheda United 0-1 Cork City
Drogheda United
Injured: Neil Yadolahi.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Cork City
Injured: Karl Sheppard.
Doubtful: Colin Healy, John O'Flynn.
Suspended: None.
About Josh Dolan
Josh Dolan is one of our Dublin based reporters, who also helps out with Extratime.ie’s administration tasks.
Josh, who was recommended to us by fellow reporters, joined the site as a teenager …