Drogheda United vs Galway United

• Alan Dooley
• Thu, Sep 25 2008




Drogheda United have a golden opportunity to close the gap on third-placed Derry City tomorrow night when they take on relegation front-runners Galway United at United Park. Having defeated the Candystripes last weekend, Paul Doolin's men can cut the gap further thanks to St Pat's European adventure on Tuesday night.

A win for the title holders would move them within two points of their rivals for the final European spot and cap a fine week for the club following their qualification for the Setanta Cup semi-finals on Monday night. The County Louth side are on a fine run of form at the moment, unbeaten in seven since a defeat to the heirs to their throne, Bohemians, at the end of last month.

With two narrow victories over Galway already to their name this season, Doolin is confident of maintaining their good run and keeping the pressure on Derry. "The players, I think, are playing very well at the moment. We're at home and, as I've always said, regardless of the opposition, we've to try and win our home games. Galway had a good result recently in the cup, and that can usually generate enthusiasm among a squad of players. So they'll be dangerous, especially with the position they're in at the moment, but we just have to concentrate on our own game."

Eamonn Zayed has hit a run of goalscoring form of late, netting against both Cliftonville and Derry City, and will need to be on top of his game as he is the only striker available on Friday night, with Guy Bates and Declan O'Brien injured, while Ibrahim Iyane-Thiam is suspended. Zayed is still confident of a positive result despite the lack of a partner in attack. "I'm looking forward to it. Obviously things are going well for the team- We're picking up points and from a personal point of view, I'm scoring goals as well. We've a lot to play for - we want to close the gap on Derry, and get a European place - that's the aim for us."

Galway are staring relegation firmly in the face now, having fluffed the opportunity to close the gap on Finn Harps last weekend when drawing with Shamrock Rovers. Although Pat Scully's side took the lead with ten minutes remaining, he became the latest in a string of managers to admit his relief to depart with anything from the contest.

And therein lies Galway's ultimate problem. When they having been playing well against the better teams they haven't made their dominance count. While the build up play has improved, the end result hasn't. And it could be argued that luck hasn't favoured them either. Last year at United Park, they snatched a vital point when 2 goals and a man down in the dying minutes, thanks to some goalkeeping madness and Derek O'Brien's cross that nestled in the back of the net.

Jeff Kenna has enjoyed none of this luck, but is still confident that he can drag his side out of the mire they are now knee-deep in, and sinking fast. He has a full squad to choose from, but will need a huge performance from his side to add to their 15-point haul tomorrow night. A new tactical approach worked against Bray, and to a certain extent against Rovers, but may be exposed if tried again tomorrow night against a Drogs side packed with pace and attacking intent on the flanks.

Kick off at United Park is 1945. Referee: Ian Stokes.

Prediction: Drogheda Utd 2-0 Galway Utd.