League Play-Off Preview: Cabinteely -v- Drogheda United

CABINTEELY

After penalty shootout heroics last week against Longford Town, Cabinteely embark on the second stage of their play-off journey when they host Drogheda United on Friday evening in the first-leg at Stradbrook (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Cabinteely produced a stirring performance and result last time out away to Longford, with Stephen McGuinness proving his worth in spades.

The former Drogheda shot-stopper made three saves from the penalty spot, with lethal striker Rob Manley sealing the deal at the death for Pat Devlin’s charges.

The result sets up a two-legged date with Tim Clancy’s Boynesiders, with Cabo holding home advantage first against the Claret and Blue.

Speaking to his club’s media team, Cabo boss Devlin admits he is expecting another tough game against Drogheda.

“After the exploits against Longford over the last two weekends we now look forward to Drogheda United in Stradbrook this Friday night.

“Yet again it will be a tough game as there hasn’t been much between the sides all season. While it’s over two legs we will be looking to make a positive start in the first-leg.

“The lads did themselves and the club proud over the two legs versus Longford Town and the Cabo support in City Calling Stadium last Friday night made a huge difference to the team, and I thank all those who made the trip,” he added.

Kevin Knight is Cabinteely’s only absentee, missing out with suspension.



DROGHEDA UNITED

After a 25 day gap, Drogheda United return to competitive action in the familiar enough surroundings of the First Division Play-Offs to face Cabinteely at Stradbrook on Friday evening.

Drogheda have reached the playoffs in their previous two First Division campaigns, with this being the third such occasion.

However, while they may be familiar with the structure and nature of the games, Drogs boss Clancy is wary of the challenge posed by Cabinteely.  

“We know what to expect, it’s going to be a difficult game. I think what Pat Devlin’s done at Cabinteely this season has been unbelievable to be honest, to get to the play-off semi-final.

“They’ve beat us fairly easy in the league at our place, we’d a good win out there and then the 0-0 draw, there was very little in it so I think that tells you the game is going to be very tight.

“They are a really good team, they work hard for each other, so we know it’s not going to be an easy day. If we don’t match them and don't play to the best of our ability then we certainly won’t get anything out of the game.

“We are just hoping now that we can go out tomorrow and put the effort from the training ground, the form everyone is showing in training and put that on to the pitch on Friday and we’ll be happy,” Clancy said.

“We’ve a fully fit squad. We had a good three and a half weeks there now in preparation from the last (league) game. Everyone is fit, everyone is training, everyone is doing really well, we’ve had a good few games, three games in that period as well.

“Everyone has got minutes and they are really looking good for tomorrow night. We are hoping we can go out and put on a good performance and get a positive result out there.”

The Boynesiders will be boosted that they will have no injury issues or suspensions to contend with ahead of their trip to the South Dublin venue.



Referee: Adriano Reale.

 

MATCH STATS

In the opening two league games between the sides this term, there was ten goals scored over the two games. Cabinteely won the initial meeting 4-1 while Drogheda won 5-0 at Stradbrook.

Coincidentally, the third league meeting between the sides ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to score over the ninety minutes of play.

Since Cabinteely’s introduction to the League of Ireland in 2015, the sides have met on ten occasions, with Drogheda winning four, Cabinteely winning three and there also being three draws.

BETTING

Cabinteely 6/4; Draw 21/10; Drogheda United 6/4.

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 - 0 Drogheda United

 

Cabinteely

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Kevin Knight.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.