Dundalk FC v Drogheda United: Preview

Photo: Gerry Scully

Premier Division football is back at Oriel Park on Friday night as Dundalk FC welcome Drogheda United for a live televised Louth Derby. Please note the later kick-off time of 8pm.

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Dundalk go into the game encouraged by last week’s showing away to Derry City, but frustrated not to come away with all three points. Now attention turns to another significant test against a Drogheda side that has established itself at this level in recent seasons.

Kilduff: "It's A Special Occasion" Manager Ciarán Kilduff is clear on the challenge ahead. “Drogheda United have a clear identity and they’ve been more than competitive in this division over the past few years,” he said. “We respect their quality and know we face a serious test, but we have to trust our progress. We gave a very good account of ourselves last week against Derry City and were disappointed not to take all three points. Now we’re looking forward to measuring ourselves against another strong side.”

The occasion is one the squad is relishing, as the club returns to the Premier Division stage at home. “There’s a real buzz around the place and the squad can’t wait,” Kilduff added. “After everything that’s happened over the past 18 months or so, it’s a special occasion to have a live televised Louth Derby in Oriel Park, on a new pitch under new floodlights. This is the platform we wanted — and now that it’s here, we’ll make the most of it.”

Horgan Set for "Competitive" Louth Derby Captain Daryl Horgan echoed that feeling, pointing to what it means to have Premier Division football back in Dundalk. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to have Premier Division football back at Oriel Park,” he said. “Drogheda United have gone from strength to strength over the past few seasons, which is great for them and for the league. On our side, the last few years have been challenging and we’ve had to rebuild — so this is set up to be a really competitive Louth Derby, and it’s one everyone is looking forward to.”

Horgan also stressed the importance of having the right balance in the group for what is expected to be a demanding campaign. “The experienced players we’ve brought in will be vital,” he said. “It’s an incredibly tough league, and we knew we needed proven Premier Division quality — including lads who have recently won the title. Bringing in the likes of Harvey and Ronan from the First Division has also strengthened us as a group and increased the competition for places.”

For Dundalk, the message from last week’s trip to Derry is simple: take the performance level, and push it further at home. “Now it’s about matching the level we showed in Derry and pushing on again,” Horgan added. “We went there last week targeting three points and were disappointed not to come away with the win. Our mindset is simple: we’ll be going into every match this season looking to win.”

Team News

• Harvey Warren remains suspended for a further match following his red card in the play-off final.

• Mayowa Animasahun will have a late fitness test.

• Conor O’Keeffe returns from illness.

• Leo Gaxha continues to make good progress in his recovery from last year’s injury.

• All other players are fit and available for selection.

Match Officials

Referee: Rob Hennessy

Assistant Referees: Emmett Dynan, Dermot Broughton Fourth Official: Neil Doyle