Limerick travel to Drogheda in search of first win since Summer break

Limerick FC travel to Louth on Friday night to face struggling Drogheda United at United Park (kick-off 7.45 pm). The Super Blues will be looking for their first win since the resumption of the league following a two-week break in June.

Neil McDonald’s charges have picked up one point from six in disappointing performances against Cork City and at home to St. Patricks Athletic last week. Limerick squandered a 2-goal lead courtesy of Chiedozie Ogbene and Rodrigo Tosi goals. However, in truth St. Patricks Athletic will still be as disappointed not to pick up the victory as dangerman Conan Byrne created numerous opportunities for his colleagues which were passed up.

McDonald was forced to change formation once again, this time back to the narrow 4-4-2 which he previously deployed earlier in his reign at Bohemians and Finn Harps. Club stalwart Shane Tracy was tasked with stopping Pats’ winger Conan Byrne but the returning left-full back was given a torrid time throughout. Despite a relatively poor performance, the Shannonsiders were still very unhappy to let such a lead disappear and dropped to seventh place in the league as a result.

The Limerick boss told the club’s official website that while he was disappointed not to win the game, he was still pleased with the attacking side of the game also. “It’s always disappointing when you get a 2-0 lead and it slips away from you. Our attacking play and counter-attacking is excellent and we’re scoring freely which is good.”

The Englishman added that to have any chance in Drogheda, his side must maintain their intensity in attack. “we’re creating chances and we must keep doing that. That will give us a good chance to win against Drogheda.

Limerick will once again be without young centre-back Barry Cotter. However, Tony Whitehead is expected to return for the game. The club have only won one of their last five away games and will certainly be aiming to improve this to go back to the top-half of the table.

Drogheda United appear to be in disarray from the outside. Without a win in ten, Pete Mahon lost the services of Killian Brennan and Marc Griffin this week, apparently citing differences with assistant manager John Gill as the reason for their departure.

The Boynesiders haven’t won at home since beating Shamrock Rovers in April. They currently occupy the final relegation place while sitting level on points with ninth place Sligo Rovers.

Pete Mahon will be without the services of striker Thomas Byrne who is suspended. Dubliner Pete Mahon will be hoping for a much better outcome against Limerick this time round following a 3-0 defeat at the Markets Field in April. Chiedozie Ogbene and Rodrigo Tosi were on target that night and will be in action again on Friday. Drogheda must deal with the physical prowess of Tosi much better this time if they are to get a result.

A win would see Drogheda go to within four points of Limerick.

Referee: Robert Harvey