Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda Utd:THEY may remain bottom of the table, but Drogheda United manager Alan Mathews was keen to talk up the positives of their narrow defeat to champions Bohemians ahead of their trip to Tallaght to face Shamrock Rovers tonight

Having taken four points from the previous two games, Drogheda looked on course to take another one from Dalymount last Friday before substitute Marc Hughes’ 95th-minute winner broke their resolve.

“Against Bohemians at Dalymount Park we went toe to toe with the league champions and our performance most certainly warranted a point,” said Mathews.

“We take what we can from a defeat like that. We try to make sure that we don’t concede a goal like that again under the circumstances, and we must take as many positives as possible from the match.

“We have to take heart, maintain the level of performance we have been doing, but bring that further and maximise it as much as possible. The most important game for us is the next game.”

Drogheda are without suspended midfielder Paul Crowley while striker Robbie Farrell is out for up to six weeks following knee surgery.

Midfielder Stephen Bradley is suspended for the hosts while captain Shane Robinson is a doubtful starter due to a hamstring injury.

“We’ve played Drogheda already, and that was a quite entertaining 2-2 draw at United Park. We’ll certainly be looking for all three points tonight.

“And while they’re at the bottom of the table they’ve been playing quite well recently and have started to pick up a few points. It won’t be easy but we’re aiming for a win.”