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

DROGHEDA UNITED

Tim Clancy’s Boynesiders will be looking to build on last week’s first-leg draw in the First Division Play-Offs when they host Cabinteely tomorrow evening at United Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Drogheda fell behind last week through Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters excellent early strike, before Jake Hyland levelled in the second period.

Reflecting on last week’s draw with his club’s media team, Clancy admits that he felt his charges should have won the opening tie at Stradbrook.  

“We’d chances in the first half, like Doyler in the one on one and we’d a lot of possession in the first half.

“We’re sitting here now at the minute, having come back with a draw, which isn’t the worst result, but we certainly should have won the game.

“The amount of chances we created last Friday, that gives us confidence going into this game, knowing if we perform to the same level as we did, we’ve a good chance of going through.”

The former Shamrock Rovers defender added; “They’ve (Cabinteely) been very good away from home.

“We know it’s not going to easy and it’ll be a difficult game, but I’ve been saying that all along. We’re not going to approach the game any different than we would anyway.

“It’s going to be a very hard game like it was last Friday and we’re certainly prepared for the same again.”

Drogheda have no suspensions heading into the game and a fully-fit squad to choose from.

CABINTEELY

Pat Devlin’s Cabinteely will be looking to make some more playoff memories at United Park on Friday evening when they travel to face Drogheda United.

The Green and White’s drew the first leg, as they did against Longford Town, before qualifying via a penalty shootout at City Calling Stadium in the second leg.

Speaking ahead of the game with extratime.ie, Cabo forward Rob Manley admits that the opportunity to prove others wrong has been a burning desire in the dressing room at Stradbrook this term.

“Especially with everything – we get a lot of stick. But, it’s just a credit to the lads and how we react to that.

“The stuff that we do in training, we’re always told nobody wants to play us, so we always want to go out and prove people wrong and want to win.

“It kind of goes back into a nil-all kind of game. We’ll start from scratch; we’ll have to reset so we’ll be looking forward to it.

“We’ve played Drogheda enough times to know what they’re about and they’ve played us enough times to know what we’re about so it should be a cracking game.

“It’s a tight pitch, and on small pitches there’s always s going to be more opportunities for both teams. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an advantage for us, but it suits both teams really.

“The experience of the playoffs and it’s drama is a big help. It does feel good when you beat a team in the playoffs so we’re hoping we can continue that momentum for the second leg.

“The big games are the ones you want to play. It’s where everyone wants to be and there’s a few teams that are probably kicking themselves that they’re not in our position so we’re looking forward to it.

Cabinteely have a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Kevin Knight returning from suspension to face Drogheda United.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely are unbeaten at United Park this season, with a win and draw against the Boynesiders in their previous two games at the Co. Louth venue.  

Cabinteely are unbeaten in their previous six competitive outings – with their last defeat coming at home to Galway United at Stradbrook.

The Green and White’s are unbeaten away from home since May, when they were defeated by Limerick by a goal to nil at Markets Field.

BETTING

Drogheda United 8/11; Draw 11/4; Cabinteely 13/5.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 - 1 Cabinteely (Cabinteely to win on penalties).

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.