Interim manager Boland looking for continued improvement.

Limerick FC entertain Drogheda United on Saturday evening at the Markets Field in the meeting of two promoted sides (kick-off 6.30 pm).

Both sides have enjoyed steady, if not spectacular starts to life in the Airtricity League Premier Division in 2017. There is just one point separating the sides in the league table, with Limerick in 5th place and Drogheda positioned in 8th place.

Limerick FC interim manager Willie Boland

Limerick enjoyed a 0-2 away victory over St.Patricks Athletic at Richmond Park last Friday night. It was a big win for interim manager Willie Boland, although even the ex-Cardiff City man would be hesitant to take too much credit for it, considering it was just four days after the departure of Martin Russell.

Speaking in the aftermath of the victory, Boland was full of praise for his team:

“To be fair to the lads, they dug in and put in a super performance. We had to defend a lot of crosses and kept a clean sheet.”

Boland felt that Limerick could build on such a positive performance and result at a difficult stadium to visit:

I think the result will give the lads a lot of confidence, to go there and get that result.
With two home games coming up in the next two weeks, we should be going into the home game with Drogheda full of confidence and belief.”

Boland has no fresh injuries to contend with and will be pleased with the progress made by club stalwart Shane Tracy, who played in a friendly game last week as he nears a first-team return.

The Shannonsiders boasted a strong bench last week with the likes of Dean Clarke, Bastian Henry and Ian Turner available to choose from.

The Super Blues home form has been inconsistent at best this season with one win, 2 defeats and 1 draw. The Limerick faithful will be hoping for a much improved performance to that of the Cork City game, albeit Cork are the runaway leaders in the division.

Drogheda arrive in Limerick in buoyant mood following a last minute 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers last Friday. Key player Killian Brennan is still missing through injury, while brother Sean Brennan misses out through suspension following his dismissal last weekend. Gavin Brennan and Marc Griffin are rated as doubtful.