Drogheda United take on Shamrock Rovers in a battle of wits tonight at Hunky Dory Park.

Preview by Niamh Whelan (@NiamhWhelanX)

After the mid-season break, the Airtricity League is back in action in Hunky Dory Park where Shamrock Rovers travel to Drogheda United in a mid-table clash. This will be the first time the two sides have met since Rovers defeated Drogheda by a whopping 7-1 in the Setanta Sports Cup Final in May.

Drogheda go into the game without many key players due to suspension and injuries. Alan Byrne, Alan McNally, Ryan Brennan and David Cassidy are all suspended for tonight's game while Eric Foley and Phillip Hand receive treatment for injuries.

Mick Cooke had this to say in the build up to tonight's match, “It’s a good game to re-start the league with; I said from earlier on in the season that you should never write off Shamrock Rovers. Trevor has a big squad but I think they have found their form in the last few weeks. We went up there earlier in the season and had a 1-1 draw." He also said they are "fully focused" on tonight's game and they are taking "one game at a time."

Shamrock Rovers will be looking to close the gap as they currently lie in fifth place. Most players are available for selection however David Elebert is unable to play due to injury and Jason McGuinness is a doubt. Mark Quigley is available for selection as he trained both this week and last week having recovered from his recent injury.

Trevor Croly seems confident and happy to be back after the break: “The rest has re-energised everyone. We were playing well and winning games going into the break so to a point we would almost have liked to have played on. But it is always healthy to have that little period of rest if you can." Trevor Croly is aware that it is going to be a tough game for both sides "Drogheda are a good side and will come back at us."


Both teams will be looking for a win but unfortunately, a win for either side won't have massive implications to the league table. Kick off is at 7:45pm at Hunky Dory Park, Match Report to follow.