Drogs on the road as they resume fight for play-offs
DROGHEDA United boss Pete Mahon says he’s hoping that this Friday’s opponents Waterford United will go all out for victory at the RSC - because that might play into the Boynesiders’ hands.
Most pundits believe Roddy Collins’ side are out of the race for the promotion play-offs at this stage as they trail third-placed Drogheda by 11 points with just seven games remaining. However, the word coming from the Waterford camp is that they haven’t given up the chase.
Two league victories on the bounce - albeit against Shelbourne and Athlone Town - have given the Blues a glimmer of an opportunity and Mahon for one hopes that they come out and play an expansive game on Friday night (7.45 kick-off).
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Mahon said: ‘I don’t think they have a chance of reaching the play-offs, but that’s the general consensus down there apparently.
‘They see it as their last chance and they will be going all out for a win against us - so much so that I believe they’re going to release a few players if they don’t win the match.
‘I think that will suit us because we’ve played the two best teams in our last two games and they were very open and very good games.
‘Some of the matches haven’t been like that this season. A lot of teams have come to United Park not to be beaten, but we have a different mentality. We try to win.’
With Drogheda not in action last week as the FAI Cup took centre stage, the squad were given the weekend off, but preparations began in earnest for the Waterford game at training on Monday night and Mahon is sweating on the fitness of two players - Kevin Farragher and Gareth McCaffrey.
‘The threat Waterford pose is obviously getting the ball quickly to Philly Gorman because he holds the ball up well and scores goals and it’s crucial that we have Farragher fit for this game.
‘He played through the pain barrier against UCD with a bit of a groin strain, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be okay.
‘Gareth McCaffrey suffered a concussion in that game and he’ll have to get a clearance from a doctor on Thursday before he can play.’
I don’t think they have a chance of reaching the play-offs, but that’s the general consensus down there apparently, they’ll be going all out for a win and that will suit us.’
Waterford have plenty of experience in their side, with former Cork City man David O’Leary running the midfield and former Drogheda United man Alan Byrne now anchoring their defence.
Droghed have won all three previous meetings between the clubs this season, although none of the victories were too convincing, and Mahon acknowledged that a ‘quadruple’ would be a good achievement, but he’s not complacent going into the game.
‘In fairness to them, if they get their best XI out on the pitch they can beat anybody.
‘We have seven games left and I think we need a minimum of 13 points to get into the play-offs and it’s in our hands. We’re in a good place and on a good run of form, training was good last night and the boys are buzzing.
‘We have everything to play for. There’s a good prize at the end of the season - the play-offs - and if we get there and win the first game we’ll see after that. But if you’d said to me late in December would you settle for this position, I certainly would have said yes.’
Friday also represents an opportunity for Drogheda to put pressure on their main play-off rivals as the games involving UCD and Cobh Ramblers don’t take place until Saturday.
Cobh, who lie three points behind Drogheda in fourth place, will be expected to pick up another victory at home to Shelbourne, while UCD play host to a Limerick side who can clinch the Division 1 title if they win. •Drogheda United will be hosting a table quiz night this Thursday at 8pm at the Fair Green Bar on Trinity Street.
Admission on the night will be €10 per person, including free finger food, as teams of four compete against each other to see who will be ‘top Drogs’.