Drogheda host local rivals Dundalk this evening for a Louth derby with both sides eager to return to action after a ten day break.
The Drogs will be eager for a return to action and will hope to add some stability to their form. Mick Cooke’s men claimed an impressive 3-0 victory over Bohemians in their FAI Cup encounter last time out but recent defeats to Bray and Derry still linger in the memory.
Cooke feels that his side’s on pitch displays have not always been rewarded with the results they deserve and hopes that a win against Dundalk can help to steady the ship.
“I think when you look at what Bohemians did to Sligo last night it makes our 3-0 win over them at Dalymount look more impressive,” he said.
“I think since our Setanta Cup defeat we have have put in good performances but we haven't got the results we deserved, but that win over Bohs saw us back to our best and doing what we did last year. It gave the squad a lot of confidence. “
The Drogheda boss is aware of the importance of the derby game to supporters and despite his side trailing Dundalk in the league, he is confident that the Drogs can take the points.
“The local derby is always a great occasion and the weather should be perfect to wrap up what has been a wonderful weekend of football. Dundalk obviously are doing what we did last season, they are the real surprise package of the league. They are playing some good football but we are well capable of that and it should be a good game, it will also determine who has the bragging rights for the next 10 weeks or so,” he said.
Cooke has several selection concerns however. Gabrield Sava and David Cassidy must both watch from the sidelines as they are suspended while captain Derek Prendergast misses out with an ankle injury. Eric Folley is also out through injury but there is better news elsewhere as Gary O’Neil and Brian Gannon have both been passed fit.
Dundalk come into this game eight points clear of their Louth rivals but surprisingly short on form in derby games. The Lilywhites have failed to beat Drogheda since October 2011.
However their fine away form this season is cause for hope and manager Stephen Kenny believes that the extended break his players have enjoyed will give them an extra boost.
“The break did us good but we’ve prepared well during that time off. We’ve had some good results recently in the FAI Cup and in Sligo but each one is another game to us. We were still very disappointed with that defeat to UCD but that happens. It’s football and no games are easy, especially the derby up next,” he said.
“Drogheda have been going well and anything can happen in a match like that. We have a big week ahead of us now going into the break and we’ll do all that we can to pick up maximum points starting in Drogheda.”
“The players have been exceptional so far. Their effort has been outstanding and our away form has been excellent with 6 wins out of 7. That gives us confidence. It is a derby of course and they have good players so it won’t be easy. We know it’s a tough game but we’ve prepared well and we’re ready for it,” he added.
Like his opposite number, the Dundalk boss is missing players through suspension. Stephen O’Donnell, John Sullivan and Darren Meenan are all ineligible for the game while Chris Shields is a doubt with a knee injury.
Those three suspended players are all big performers for Dundalk and their loss will be felt, however given their outstanding form away from home and Kenny’s squad depth - John Dillon, Keith Ward and Vinny Faherty are all waiting to come in – the derby honours look likely to go to the visitors.
Verdict - Dundalk
