Darius confident of ending drought
SCORING goals will be a top priority for Drogheda United this Friday as they attempt to pile more pressure on fellow strugglers UCD at the Belfield Bowl.
Darius Kierans' side have netted only once in their last five games, that coming from the penalty spot, and have suffered six defeats on the bounce – a run that has left the Boynesiders perilously close to the automatic relegation spot.
However, the clash with the Students and the following week's home game against neighbours Dundalk – who also appear to be in freefall – give Drogheda a good opportunity to put some muchneeded points on the board.
'It is a worry that we're not scoring goals, but it's something that we're working on and I think they'll start going in for us,' Kierans said yesterday ( Tuesday).
'If we weren't creating chances it would be more of a concern, but we created numerous opportunities against Galway before they scored and didn't take them.
'If we had got one I think we would have won comfortably, and it shows how important the first goal can be.
'UCD have a very good team and play the right football, but they're in a bit of a rut and something has to give. They will be fancying their chances too, though.
'Every game is a cup final for us now, and thus far the lads are giving everything, both in training and when playing, and we'd be confident of getting a result.
'I don't think we can ask much more of them, and we're hoping that last week's break will do us the world of good.'
The likes of Conor Sinnott, Yael Haro and Jamie Harris played 90 minutes in a game between the first team and the reserves last Thursday, with the seniors winning 5-0. The squad also enjoyed a morale-boosting 'trip to the dogs' at the weekend.
Kierans is unlikely to make wholesale changes for the trip to UCD despite the team's recent bad run of results. However, Corie Treacy and Peter McMahon are both ruled out through suspension, while Brendan McGill remains sidelined by injury for another few weeks.
- Marcus CAVAROLI
