Clancy's Drogheda ready for St Pat's

The League of Ireland rarely seems deficient in 'talking points' as evidenced this week with matters at Dundalk and Waterford, but the action continues this Friday evening when Tim Clancy's Drogheda host title-chasing St Patrick's Ath while Dundalk go to Ballybofey.

St Pat's faltered last weekend against record-breaking Shamrock Rovers and will view the trip to Drogheda as an assignment they can win.

With Sligo Rovers likely to pick up a 'handy' three points for a walkover against Waterford it puts a little bit of extra pressure on St Pat's.

Last week saw Drogheda beat Waterford, who had to play their u-19 side, by 7-0 at the RSC.

The most pleasing aspects from the game for Drogheda manager Tim Clancy was the return from injury for Conor Kane and a debut for Charles Mutawe.

“It was great to get Charles on the pitch. He’s been training really well since he came in. Good kid with a great attitude, which is the main thing that we look for. Brilliant to get Conor Kane back as well and get 90 minutes under his belt," commented Clancy.

“We approached the game the way we wanted to, the way we had to. We won the game, got the three points which is the main thing, and so on to the next game,” added the Trim man.

In the first meeting between Drogheda and St. Pat’s, Ronan Coughlan gave the Saints the lead before substitute Dinny Corcoran equalised with his first involvement for Drogheda.

However, a 90th minute winner from Billy King gave St Pat's all three points.

“People will look at it and say we did well against them at Richmond Park until the last minute, but they were under a bit of pressure that day, their first home game of the season. They got a late goal from a mistake," remarked Clancy.

“There wasn’t a lot in the sides, but they have improved massively since then.

"They have had a consistent team so far, they’ve avoided a lot of injuries and have been able to field the same team most weeks which has been beneficial to them.

“It’s going to be very difficult for us on Friday. We’ll compete, we’ll put a game plan together and work as hard as we can to get a positive result,” he added.

In team news, Tim Clancy confirmed that defender Jack Tuite has left the club having made 14 appearances, scoring one goal since joining the club ahead of the 2020 season.

Ronan Murray returns from injury while Mark Hughes and Dinny Corcoran have stepped up their recovery, and defender Hugh Douglas is doubtful.

“Jack came to me a couple of weeks ago and said he wasn’t getting the game time he wanted. It’s totally understandable. He’s taking a break from football for a few months, and we wish him well.”

“Ronan trained fully this week, so he’ll be okay. Dinny has stepped up his rehab, so he’s not far away at all.

“Sparky (Mark Hughes) is going to step his up next week, hopefully next week we’ll get him back running and with a bit of luck, with no further issues, we’ll have Sparky back in a few weeks.

"Hugh Douglas had a scan on his knee, waiting to see how the results come back on that but if not okay for this weekend, it’ll be next weekend.”

FRIDAY 14th MAY (7.45PM)

Premier

Finn Harps v Dundalk, 5.45pm;

Drogheda United v St. Patrick’s Athletic.

First Division

Bray Wanderers v Cabinteely, 7.30pm;

Galway United v Wexford;

Treaty United v Athlone;

UCD v Cork City.

SATURDAY 15th MAY (6PM)

Premier

Longford Town v Bohemians;

Shamrock Rovers v Derry City;

Sligo Rovers v Waterford (POSTPONED)

First Division

Cobh Ramblers v Shelbourne, 7pm.