League Preview: Waterford --v Drogheda United

• Deniese O'Flaherty
• Fri, May 30 2025

WATERFORD

Waterford welcome second-placed Drogheda United to the RSC, buoyed by their 2-2 draw away to St. Patrick’s Athletic last weekend (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Blues claimed a point at Richmond Park thanks to an equaliser from Conan Noonan in the 80th minute. Tommy Lonergan had given Waterford the lead in the second minute before a Mason Melia double put Pat’s ahead in the 33rd minute. Credit to Waterford—they battled hard and got back on level terms ten minutes from the end of normal time.

Speaking ahead of the game, Blues manager John Coleman said: “It’s been a hectic three-and-a-half weeks, but really enjoyable all the same. The players have been great; it’s been great to get to know them individually too."

"Their work rate and work ethic have been second to none, and they’re working really hard on the training ground, taking on board everything we’re telling them.

“We’re going out to win the game tomorrow like we do every week—which people saw last week—and if we tighten up on the errors we’ve made, the better we will be.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

After picking up two draws in a row, Drogheda got back to winning ways last Friday night when they defeated Bohemians at Sullivan and Lambe Park. The win saw Kevin Doherty’s side move back into second place in the table.

A penalty from Douglas James-Taylor gave Drogs all three points. Speaking about the win and his side’s recent form, James-Taylor said: “We all know nothing is won at halfway, you don’t get anything for being there at halfway, but where we’ve come from as a team since last season is really far.

“We know it keeps flipping because it’s a competitive league and everywhere you go is going to be a tough game, whether that’s the bottom of the league or the top of the league, you know you have to be at it.

“And I’d say just get Waterford done on Friday, regroup, a week off, but the standards have to go even higher and keep pushing on even more.”

MATCH STATS

With 18 goals so far this season, Waterford are the lowest scorers in the league.

Drogheda United have seven wins so far this season; last season they only recorded seven wins over the entire campaign.

Goals from Warren Davis and Darragh Markey gave Drogs a 2-0 win over Waterford last month at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

Referee: Rob Harvey

Prediction: Waterford 1-1 Drogheda United

Waterford

Injured: Matty Smith, Andy Boyle, Trae Coyle, Kacper Radkowski
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: Josh Thomas, Paul Doyle
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Ryan Brennan