Limerick FC face Drogheda United looking to secure Premier Division football for 2018

Limerick FC welcome already relegated Drogheda United to the Markets Field on Saturday evening with a view to all but securing premier division football for the city in 2018 (kick-off 6.30). Due to Friday nights results where Galway, St. Pats and Sligo all drew, Limerick can move five points clear of the relegation zone with two games remaining with a victory.

Limerick rescued a valuable point in dramatic fashion last week in Richmond Park against St. Patricks Athletic as captain Shane Duggan rifled home an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. The large travelling support were in celebratory mood at the final whistle as the club were on the verge of allowing St. Pats to gain three points in the relegation dogfight. Neil McDonald’s men were under pressure for much of the second half as Conan Byrne proved to be the main man once again for the home side but the Super Blues dug deep to gain a point.

Unfortunately, Shane Duggan misses the game this week due to suspension. Otherwise, McDonald has a full squad to choose from. In the first meeting between the sides at the Markets Field in 2017, Rodrigo Tosi bullied both of the visiting centre-backs. However, with the experienced Dave Mulcahy likely to feature this time around, Tosi can expect much stiffer opposition.

The Markets Field outfit appear to be made of sterner stuff in recent weeks. The victory over Cork City followed by a narrow cup defeat to the same opposition and a draw in Richmond Park shows the Shannosiders have never accepted defeat which is something which was not always evident this season.

Barry Cotter replaced Stephen Kenny at half-time last week but it is hard to know if McDonald will stick with the same side which started the game for a home match against the bottom side, which will require more adventurous play. Moving Stephen Kenny into midfield in place of the absent Duggan has occurred before. Although it is more likely that Lee-J Lynch will drop slightly deeper with Peter Berki or Chiedozie Ogbene partnering Tosi in the final third.

Limerick assistant manager Eric Kinder recognises the significance of the game on Saturday and is aware that there is pressure on the players to produce a result.

“Saturday’s game comes along against Drogheda and we have to win it, there’s no question about it, we have to win it. We can’t lose that game and if that put’s pressure on the team then it puts pressure on the team, so be it!”

Drogheda United have had a torrid season and are in search of their third away win of the campaign when they travel to Limerick. Drogheda manager Pete Mahon admitted that it will be tough to motivate his team ahead of the game but feels the fans are owed a performance.

“I can’t deny that it is tough to play against a side with everything on the line and us already relegated. The opposition have that intensity and aggression and we need to match it. That’s why it’s so important that we get a win under our belts in the next three games. We owe it to our fans first and foremost but also to the league in general.”

The United Park outfit were beaten 0-2 at home to Shamrock Rovers last week, which is an all too familiar sight for supporters of the club. Mahon is at a loss when attempting to explain the Boynesiders poor performances this season as he feels the squad is capable of much better.

“Both days of training this week have been excellent and it has me wondering why we can’t replicate it on match day? The ability is there, they just need the right guidance and experience on the pitch and I hope we can address that next season.”

Former Limerick FC player Chris Mulhall returns from suspension for the game but Mahon will be without Ryan Masterson, Jake Hyland and Stephen Dunne through injury. Striker Thomas Byrne is doubtful with a foot injury.

Match Stats: Limerick FC and Drogheda United have faced each other on two occasions this season with the Shannonsiders emerging victorious from both encounters. In April, Limerick won 3-0 at home. At United Park, goals from the now departed Robbie Williams and Chiedozie Ogbene provided Limerick with the victory.

Drogheda United were the first visitors to the Markets Field when it re-opened to Airtricity League football in 2015. The Boynesiders spoiled the party as they defeated Limerick 0-2 through goals from Mick Daly and Lee Duffy.

Limerick midfielder Lee-J Lynch spent over half a season at Drogheda on return from the Glenn Hoddle football academy in Spain in 2011. He made a big impression and was voted supporters player of the year and secured a move to Sligo Rovers.

Referee: Andrew Mullally