General
- Thursday July 27th, 2017 @ 11:34
TEAM NEWS: Drogheda Vs Saints (Friday, 7.45)
St Patrick's Athletic make the short trip up the M1 to United Park on Friday as they take on Drogheda United in the SSE Airtricity League (kick-off 7.45pm).
The Saints head into the game following back to back league wins over Derry City and Bray Wanderers, last week seeing St Pat's bounce back from a goal deficit to claim an impressive 3-1 home win over the Seagulls thanks to goals from Conan Byrne, Christy Fagan and Josh O'Hanlon.
By contrast, the Boynesiders will be looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat against Galway United and end a run of form which sees them winless in the league since a 2-1 win over Galway in April.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com ahead of the game, Saints' manager Liam Buckley outlined that the Saints need to match their opponents on the night if they are to pick up a result. "We've all been much happier with our levels of performance in the past few weeks, however we know from our last games against Drogheda that they are very committed side so if we don't match them for effort and intensity, we could struggle.
"However the players have been training well in recent weeks and that has translated into better performances on the field in matches. If we can continue along that line, hopefully we can come away with another three points."
In team news, Owen Garvan serves the last of his three match suspension, while the Saints remain without central defenders Darren Dennehy and Gavin Peers through injury however both are closing in on a return to full fitness. Buckley's options however are boosted with the addition this week of Ian Turner from Limerick who is pushing for a place in the matchday squad.
"Drogheda are a strong side," Turner said when speaking to stpatsfc.com. "It's never easy to go up there and get a result. The pitch is tight and the local crowd get behind Drogheda a lot so we know it'll be a tough game. There's several teams bunched together as well so all games between sides in that group with be closely fought.
Looking forward to a fresh start at @stpatsfc âš½ï¸Ââ¤︠pic.twitter.com/K9PbbkzdvT
— Ian Turner (@2Ian_T) July 26, 2017
"I'm looking forward though to getting out on the pitch and playing for Pat's. I'm raring to go so if I'm selected at all I'll be ready to go and give my all for the team."
Kick-off in United Park is 7.45pm