Soccer: League of Ireland Preview

AS IF they scarcely need to tempt fate, even at this early stage of the season, given they've not scored a goal in 515 minutes in losing their last five games, Finn Harps' press release for tonight's trip to face champions Drogheda United felt the need to note that the last time they visited United Park a 2-0 defeat saw them relegated after one season back in the top flight.

But manager Paul Hegarty, who must watch from the stand as he serves the second of a four-match dugout ban, has enough thoughts of his own going into the game.

"It's a tough situation, but we'll have to carry on," said Hegarty. "People are talking about getting a goal, but right now I'm just looking to get a team out on the pitch.

"The whole spine of our team has been unavailable for most of the season. Things are going against us off the pitch as well as on it, but there's no point in complaining because nobody will listen to us."

Defender Jonathan Minnock, captain Tony Shields and strikers Stephen Parkhouse and Gary Beckett remain out injured, while midfielder Shaun Williams, scorer of two of their four goals this season, is ineligible as he's on loan from Drogheda.

It doesn't end there, as defenders Marc Mukendi (groin), Aaron Labonte (groin) and striker Chris Breen (ankle) are all rated as doubtful, while Kevin Ramsey, Shaun McGowan and Marc Brolly are hopeful of playing despite carrying slight knocks.

You sensed the relief was palpable after Drogheda's 2-0 win at Cork last week saw them bounce back in the best possible way to their home defeat to Bohemians.

Manager Paul Doolin is without Brian Shelley (hamstring) so Stuart Byrne, back from suspension, should expect to come back in at right-back.

Alan McNally return to UCD's midfield following a bereavement as manager Pete Mahon looks for a big improvement on his side's display in a 0-0 draw at Cobh Ramblers last week when Bohemians visit the campus tonight.

Left winger Killian Brennan is Bohemians' chief doubt due to a stomach bug, so either Stephen O'Donnell or Harpal Singh will come into midfield.

Marginally the better side at Bohemians last week, Derry City will want to build on it with their first win - and goal - in four league games against bottom-of-the-table Galway United at the Brandywell.

Manager Stephen Kenny picks from much the same squad he had at Dalymount Park with the addition of Clive Delaney, who should come back into defence following suspension.

Darren Quigley, Sean Hargan, Paddy McCourt and Sammy Morrow remain out injured, while Kevin Deery and Mark McChrystal won't feature until Monday's League Cup tie with Finn Harps.

John Lester is added to Galway's injured list of Ciaran Foley, Alan Keane and Daryl Robson, though Wes Charles returns from suspension.

"Obviously, it's going to be a difficult game in the Brandywell, however my players are ready to get stuck in," said new Galway manager Jeff Kenna.

"We need to get points on the board so we will be going into this game looking for a result. It would be brilliant to keep a clean sheet as we need to stop leaking goals."

Their early season goal-shyness a distant memory, in-form Bray Wanderers will be looking to make it four wins in five games at home to Cobh Ramblers.

Central defender Derek Foran is a major doubt with a groin strain, though striker Ger Rowe and midfielder Gary McCabe hope to shake off hamstring strains.

Just like Bray manager Eddie Gormley, Cobh boss Stephen Henderson has been full of praise for his young team, though they'll need to start picking up points, particularly away, if his assertion they are good enough to stay up is to prove realistic.

Shane Barrett is likely to come back in for John Kearney in the centre of Cobh's midfield in what's likely to be their only change from last week's frustrating 0-0 draw with UCD.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45) League of Ireland: Premier Division:Bray Wanderers v Cobh Ramblers; Derry City v Galway United; Drogheda United v Finn Harps; UCD v Bohemians. First Division: Limerick 37 v Shelbourne; Sporting Fingal v Wexford Youths; Waterford United v Monaghan United.