Drogs keeping fingers crossed Wogan is fit

DROGHEDA United boss Kevin Doherty says he is “hopeful” of having goalkeeper Andrew Wogan fit to start between the sticks for Friday’s home game with Derry City (kick-off: 7:45pm) after the Stabannon native was forced to pull out of last week’s Shelbourne clash through injury.

The U19 international had started his club’s previous 28 league and FAI Cup matches dating back to last June before missing out on the showdown with the league leaders, with Jethren Barr stepping in to make his League of Ireland debut.

The South African got less than 24 hours notice that he would be playing after Wogan was ruled out following training on Thursday night.

Speaking on Tuesday, Doherty (pictured) said: “I’m not sure about Andrew. It’s more of a groin issue (than a hamstring), but it’s not that bad. He’s actually getting a scan today, but I’m hopeful he’ll be available for Friday.

“I thought Jethren did really well for his first game. He was really assured and his kicking probably led to the first goal. I’ve a lot of confidence in him because it’s not like you’re bringing in a young lad.

He has played at a high level before.”

Doherty will certainly be without Luke Heeney for Derry’s visit as he is set to complete a twomatch ban following his sending-off against Dundalk on Easter Monday.

As for the Candystripes, they had four different scorers in their 4-1 win against Dundalk last Friday even though their star forward Pat Hoban was absent through injury and Doherty is not surprised to see them in second place in the table.

“I’m not just saying this because I’m trying to build them up, but they have a quality squad. I’m just watching back their game with Dundalk again and they were very good and the quality of their goals was very good.

“I’m not sure about Hoban and it’ll be interesting to see what their team is, but we’re well aware of the threats that they bring.”

As for the 2-2 draw against Shelbourne, the few days that have passed since haven’t changed Doherty’s view that Drogheda should have won. “It still rankles,” he admitted. “The equaliser being so, so late in the game probably adds to it, but I thought we were the better side and probably should have put it to bed. Our attacking play was very good and we had chances to make it 3-1, and the disappointing thing for me is that the two Shelbourne goals could have been defended better by the team.

“It’s frustrating because it’s probably the third time in a week that I thought we deserved the three points, and everyone watching the games would have thought the same.

“But then you’re playing the unbeaten league leaders and people will say it’s a good result - and it is.”

Play was stopped two minutes from time after assistant referee Dermot Broughton was hit by a flare thrown by a Shelbourne supporter and Doherty was relieved that the official was okay to continue after a 15-minute delay.

“It was strange because we had 15 minutes to prepare for a free kick and the more I watch it back we defended it really well. It would have been a serious sickener if they had scored from that.

“The incident was really disappointing to see. The linesman was just doing his job and that happens. It’s awful what happened to him, but you can’t tar all Shelbourne supporters with the same brush.

“The saving grace was that he was okay and we were able to finish the game, because I genuinely don’t know what would have happened otherwise.”