Drogheda United v Waterford Preview

It’s third hosting fifth in the early league table tonight, but the home side have a three-point lead over their guests. Both teams have won three games so far, but Drogheda have drawn three and lost only once compared to Waterford’s four defeats. Another noteworthy difference is that, while both have scored eight goals, Drogheda have only conceded four to Waterford’s eleven.

The Blues have great memories of a fantastic 4-1 win in Drogheda in February of last year that sent them to the top of the table. Pádraig Amond scored his first goal for the club that night while Darragh Leahy scored twice and Niall O’Keeffe got his first ever league goal. Waterford had a remarkable 4-2 comeback win live on Virgin Media at the RSC in May, but lost 2-0 in Drogheda in August with debutant goalkeeper Louis Jones gifting the hosts an early lead. The most recent meeting of the sides was a forgettable 0-0 draw in Kilbarry last October.

 

(Podge scores at the RSC last May, photograph by Noel Browne)

There is still no Andy Boyle available for Waterford and that blow can’t be underestimated given the obvious defensive frailties. I would expect to see the other five defenders all line out, with Grant Horton returning to a central role and Navajo Bakboord back from the start. Trae Coyle and James Olayinka both performed very well in the cruel, late defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic last week and should get better as they reach full match sharpness. 

FAI Cup holders Drogheda have had a fantastic start to the season, especially on the road, with wins away to both Shelbourne and Bohemians and a further point in Dublin when they drew with St Pat’s on the opening night. Results at home have been more mixed – a big 3-0 win against Sligo Rovers, a 1-1 draw with Galway United and, most recently, losing 2-1 to Shamrock Rovers. 

 

Drogheda play with three centre halves and wing backs and have managed to keep a very settled line-up so far. Conor Keeley is the rock at the heart of the defence, but the midfield triangle of Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan and Darragh Markey has been outstanding. They have numerous options up front with a familiar face in Thomas Oluwa as well as Zishim Bawa, Bridel Bosakani, Walsall loanee Douglas James-Taylor and the impressive Warren Davis. 

It's another sellout at the ground which changes its name more than surely any in world football. The current ‘Sullivan and Lambe Park’ has the most limited capacity in the Premier Division though, so attendances have been capped at slightly lower than 2,500. While it’s a hotchpotch ground, it has character and can make for an excellent atmosphere with fans close to the sidelines.

Having lost three consecutive league games, the Blues really can’t afford to come away from County Louth without at least a point tonight. Keith Long’s men have had two great wins on their travels this year in Sligo and Derry and have generally been better away from home. These teams are closely-matched so it will depend who turns up with more fire and desire. Another away win is very possible, but even a point is critical now to stop the slump with only a trip to Tallaght next week left in the first round of fixtures.