Drogheda United can put pressure on the sides below them in the Airtricity Premier Division when they meet Bohemians on Friday in
Hunky Dory Park.
With Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic not in action until Monday, Mick Cooke’s side can extend their lead over the sides below them and close on leaders Sligo Rovers who face a trip to Tallaght on Monday.
Sligo ended United’s six-match winning run in the league last weekend with a 4-1 success, but they bounced back by beating the Bit o’ Red 2-1 in the EA Sports Cup semi-finals on Monday.
Bohs can go level on points with fourth-placed Pat’s if they can take the points so there is plenty at stake in the clash in Drogheda.
The Gypsies have performed admirably under much tougher circumstances this year and with any relegation concerns now gone, they will be targeting a top half finish come the end of the October.
Former Drogheda man Dinny Corcoran may return to the starting line-up on Friday against his old club in the continuing absence of Dave Scully (suspended) and of John O’Connor, who returned from illness but is now out as a result of a dog-bite this week.
Drogheda have no injury worries or suspensions ahead of the game and United boss Cooke hopes to see his side end a recent poor run of results against the Dalymount Park outfit.
“This will be our third game in the space of seven days, obviously I will have to make changes to the team, I did that on Monday and it worked but I will do it again.
“There are plenty of lads chomping at the bit to get in the team though, so I will have a welcome selection headache.
“I was delighted with how the lads bounced back from Saturday night and now we will have to re-focus on another big game.
“Drogheda haven't beaten Bohs in the league in quite some time, but records are there to be broken and I hope we can set that right on Friday night.”
Callaghan has warned Bohs that they need to be on the guard.
“Drogheda seem to have a bit of momentum,” Callaghan observed.
“They’re obviously doing something right. They had a heavy defeat in their last league game but that was probably a one-off.
“You have to do your work on the opposition and where there are particular dangers. We’ll go up looking to win but we have to be mindful of the fact that they are where they are because of their performances.”
