Jamie Moore looks ahead to tonight's game vs Drogheda United
UCD AFC host Drogheda United in the Airtricity League Premier Division on Saturday (Oct 13th)
The game at The UCD Bowl has a 7.45pm kick off. It’s unusual for UCD to be playing a home game on a Saturday and this is due to Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Germany at The Aviva on Friday night.
Last time out UCD suffered a disappointing 5-0 defeat to St. Pats at Richmond Park and will be looking for a better performance and result on Saturday.
UCD and Drogheda have met twice this season. A 1-1 draw in the UCD Bowl back in April, Danny Ledwith gave UCD the lead in the 69th minute but Alan McNally equalised with seven minutes left. Drogs won 1-0 at Hunky Dorys Park in July, Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien with the winner in the 21st minute.
Injuries
Goalkeeper John Kelly is out for the season with a groin injury.
Striker Graham Rusk made his return in Derry was a serious injury to his shin but he has had a little set back needs a little bit more training as does striker Cillian Morrison who has a swollen ankle.
Sean Russell has a groin strain and will miss out.
Manager Martin Russell has an otherwise fully fit squad to select from.
Last 5 results:
Aug 31st UCD 3-1 Bray Wanderers (McMillan, P O’Conor, Lyons)
Sep 7th Dundalk 2-1 UCD (McMillan 2)
Sep 21st Derry City 1-2 UCD (McCabe, McMillan)
Sep 28th UCD 2-2 Bohemians (Ledwith, McMillan)
Oct 1st St. Pats 5-0 UCD
Some thoughts from Manager Martin Russell:
On last week’s defeat to St. Pays: “We are coming off a poor defeat away to St Pats. It was always going to be a challenge in Richmond, and even more so with the game coming so soon after the Bohs game. Throughout the campaign the lads have given so much, and even when results didn’t match performances earlier in the season, they kept the faith, continued to play ball, and as I knew we would, we have come away from the bottom of the table.”
On next season: “We can also now look forward to again competing with the likes of Drogheda next season, having secured our Premier Division status with three games to go. Considering the development of our group it is something to be proud of, given the gloomy outlook of some pundits, and more importantly another year testing yourself against the countries best can only be positive in our development.”
On the remainder of this season: “But with three more games to go and nine points to play for we will be encouraging the team to finish on a well, trying to finish as high up the table as we can and playing some good football.”
Graham Rusk, UCD Striker:
Rusk is expecting a difficult game. “Drogheda are a good side and want to secure their top thee finish and will be all out from the off and the way we are playing at the moment we won’t make it easy for them so I think it will be tight but we are hoping for a win.”
Sean Russell, UCD midfielder:
“I think tonight will be a good competitive game. Drogheda will be looking to finish as strong as possible in what has been a very good season for them. We will also be looking to get three points and finish as high as possible.”
Paul Crowley, Drogheda midfielder and Captain:
“As always in The Bowl we are expecting a tough game against a good passing side, but it’s another game that we have to win and keep the pressure on. It won’t be easy and they will work us hard but we just have to play our own game and hopefully get another three points.”
