League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Longford Town

DROGHEDA UNITED

In form Drogheda United welcome a struggling Longford Town to Head in the Game Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders come into the game after seeing past Finn Harps last time out, with a Dane Massey free-kick the difference between the teams.

And despite the late win and great start to the season, Massey is not getting carried away just yet.

“We have a great changing room here, all we do is set weekly targets, that’s all we can do,” he told extratime.com.

“Take it game by game, enjoy it and the confidence is high in the club.

“Tim (Clancy) and Kevin (Doherty) have us playing confident football and it is great to be a part of,” he concluded.

Mark Hughes, Dinny Corcoran are expected to once again miss out, while Hugh Douglas, Jake Hyland and Brandon Bermingham are rated doubtful.

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be hoping for just their second league win of the season as they visit Drogheda United this evening.

The Red and Black have struggled for points this season – with their latest defeat in Sligo a reflection of sorts on their season.

Town were competitive for vast swathes of their game in the Showgrounds, but they were undone by defensive lapses and big calls going against them.

“It's very frustrating because we went to Sligo with a game plan and it was something different from our other games and it caused them problems,” Town boss Daire Doyle told the Irish Mirror.

“I don't want to be seen as someone who makes excuses but quite a few decisions went against us.

“I know the officials have a difficult job but I can't ask for more from my players even though we came away with nothing.”

Ahead of tonight’s game, Doyle added: “Drogheda have been really good this year and all credit to them coming up and having that start.

“We had great battles against each other in the First Division to get to this level and we feel we can give them another good game.”

In terms of team news, Callum Warfield and Shane Elworthy are both expected to miss out. Matthew O’Brien, Aaron McNally, Aaron McCabe and Sam Verdon are all doubts.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have won the previous four of their last six league games against Drogheda – conceding six times.

BETTING

Drogheda United 7/10; Draw 12/5; Longford Town 15/4.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2 – 0 Longford Town

Drogheda United

Injured: Mark Hughes, Dinny Corcoran.

Doubtful: Hugh Douglas, Jake Hyland, Brandon Bermingham.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Callum Warfield, Shane Elworthy.

Doubtful: Aaron McNally, Matthew O’Brien, Aaron McCabe, Sam Verdon

Suspended: None.