Drogheda United -v- Cork City

• P.J. Murray
• Thu, Aug 20 2009


Tomorrow night see’s the clash of Cork City and Drogheda United at United Park, kick off 7.45pm.

Recent Form
Cork have had their off field problems highly publicised, but their on field performance hasn’t reflected this as they have only succumbed to a solitary loss in their last five games. That coming at the hands of Bohemians where Killian Brennan’s strike on the hour mark secured all three points for Pat Fenlon’s side.

Drogheda on the other hand are only finding form once again as they go through patches of good and bad runs. A 2-0 win in Galway last week bolstering the Boynsiders chances of survival. However this was their first win in six games, a run which saw them lose 4-2 to Dundalk and 2-1 to Bray. #

European Ambitions
Paul Doolin is no stranger to United Park, but earlier this season his side were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline at the North East venue. They mind find themselves in third but the Cork manager is looking to push for a European spot, he recently said

“I think a push for a European place is still very much a possibility for us. We’re six points behind Rovers and there are still a lot of points to play for. It will be tough, with the likes of Derry, Rovers and Dundalk all competing for European qualification. Considering what has happened this season, it would be great to get something out of the season and qualifying for Europe would be very good.”

Managers Views
Alan Mathews side on the other hand is third from bottom, a position which many might not have envisaged for the relegation favourites, but the Drogheda manager is insistent that the job won’t be completed until the end of the season. “If we remain in the Premier Division that is when I feel the job will be done, until then we are still only third from bottom,” he said.

As regards to tomorrow night’s opponents, Mathews once again expects a tough match. “We need to pick up where we left off at Galway, of course it will be another tough clash, Cork have some exceptional players at their club and despite their off field troubles they are still one of the top clubs in the country”

Injury News
Drogheda go into the game without captain Alan McNally who is currently suspended. They will also be without Paul Crowley (calf), Shane Barrett (Knee) and Eoghan Osborne. Striker Robbie Martin will be available for selection however. Cork’s only injury concern is Timmy Kiely who is out with the flu.