League Preview: Cork City -v- Drogheda United

Cork City are currently in the relegation play-off - two points behind both Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United in the table

Cork City are currently in the relegation play-off - two points behind both Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United in the table Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)

CORK CITY

The Leesiders face into a crucial relegation six-pointer when they welcome Drogheda United to Turner’s Cross on Friday (kick off 7.45pm).

It was officially announced that the trio of Liam Kearney, Richie Holland and Liam Buckley will be the interim management team until the end of the season.  

They have lost both games since the resumption after the international break. Last Friday’s 2-0 away defeat to Derry City saw them remain in ninth position and two points behind Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United above them in the table.

Midfielder Matt Healy’s loan period is set to expire after the game and will be free to discuss terms with clubs regarding his signature.

Liam Buckley commented on the game’s importance: “It will be, but every game is important. A point here and there with a few wins is critical to get us away from the foot of the table. We can’t hide away from that. I do see us doing that. With the effort the players have been putting in recent weeks, it can only help us go forward.”

The long-term injuries of Darragh Crowley, Ethan Varian and Albin Winbo mean they remain absent while Jonas Hakkinen will be assessed prior to the game.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda travel south in the hope of keeping the distance between themselves and the relegation play-off spot.

They suffered frustration in the Louth derby as they lost 2-1 at home to local rivals Dundalk at Weavers Park.



Having gone ahead early on through Adam Foley, they conceded a second half double to Patrick Hoban. Top scorer Freddie Draper also saw red late on.

It was to be his last appearance as it was announcement that the loan spell for himself and Elicha Ahui has ended and both will return to Lincoln City.  Ahui will be in the squad for the last time before returning to England but Draper will miss the game due to suspension.

Kevin Doherty said on the matter: “I’d like to thank both players for their outstanding contribution to the club during their time with us. I must also thank Jez George, Director of Football and all at Lincoln City for their ongoing cooperation with us.”

Referee: Damien McGrath

MATCH STATS

It’s been a tight affair in both games involving the sides so far this season. In the first game at Turner’s Cross Ruairi Keating gave Cork City the lead with a header before an own goal by Ally Gilchrist levelled things up.



In the return at Weavers Park, Tunde Owolabi proved to be the difference for Cork City. He took advantage of a mix up in the home defence to intercept a long ball from Josh Honohan to head past the on-rushing Colin McCabe.

BETTING

Cork City 13/10; Draw 12/5; Drogheda 11/5

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-1 Drogheda United

Cork City

Injured: Tobi Oluwayemi, Darragh Crowley, Albin Winbo, Ethan Varian

Doubtful: Jonas Hakkinen

Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: None

Doubtful: Evan Weir

Suspended: Freddie Draper

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile