Play-Off Preview: Drogheda United - V - Cobh Ramblers

Drogheda United and Cobh Ramblers again go head to head on Friday evening, as they look to earn a place in the  promotion/releagtion play-off final against Wexford Youths.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United bring a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their First Division play-off as they play host to Cobh Ramblers at United Park.

Two second half goals from Marc Griffin and Gareth McCaffrey see the Louth side head into the second leg with the advantage. Speaking to droghedaunited.ie, Drogheda manager Pete Mahon said he was delighted with how his side played, particularly in the second half.

“We were excellent in the second half and really made Cobh work hard to get the ball. We went there looking for the win and thankfully we took our chances when we were on top in the game.”

Despite his side holding the advantage, Mahon was adamant that his side will not show any signs of complacency in the second leg.

“Absolutely not. We’ve been drilling it into the players that this tie is far from over. We are only really at half-time so anything can happen. I’d expect Cobh to come at us with everything they have tomorrow so we need to be on our game to progress.”

In team news, Sean Brennan remains unavailable as he serves the last of a three game suspension. Meanwhile, Kevin Farragher and Gareth McCaffrey are both doubtful after the pair picked up groin and calf injuries respectively in the first leg in Cobh on Saturday.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers saw their five match winning run, which had propelled them to the play-off spots, brought to an end in St. Colman's Park last week. 

The first leg defeat to Drogheda also marked the end of a ten match unbeaten home run, which had extended back to a 3-0 defeat to Limerick in May.

Stephen Henderson will have to have planned without the services of the suspended Cian Kingston while Ben O'Riordan and Jason Abbott will again miss out due to injury.

Henderson has also had to sweat over the fitness of midfielder Garry Comerford and forward Rob Lehane who are both nursing knocks, but are expected to be passed fit. 

Referee: Marc Lynch

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United have only once failed to score in a home game this season, in a 3-0 defeat to Limerick in April.

Drogheda United's league record at United Park this season has seen them win ten of their fourteen league games while drawing twice and losing twice, to Limerick and UCD.

Meanwhile, Cobh Ramblers' away form has seen them win just seven of their fourteen away games, drawing just one and losing six, including 1-0 and 2-0 defeats at United Park.

BETTING

Drogheda United 4/6; Draw 13/5; Cobh Ramblers 7/2.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-1 Cobh Ramblers

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Kevin Farragher, Gareth McCaffrey.

Suspended: Sean Brennan.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Ben O'Riordan, Jason Abbott.

Doubtful: Garry Comerford, Rob Lehane.

Suspended: Cian Kingston.