Drogheda without key players

Team & news round-up:  League leaders Drogheda United travel to Richmond Park tomorrow without a number of key players for the game with St Patrick's Athletic.

Former Saint Keith Fahey (knee), Steven Gray (hip and groin) and Pat Sullivan (viral illness) are definitely out.  Simon Webb may return at left back with Graham Gartland moving to centre back to partner Jason Gavin.

Drogheda have yet to concede in four league games but have netted on just three occasions.  That tally, though, is still enough to see them top but manager Paul Doolin will want his strikers in prolific form if the FAI Cup holders are serious about mounting a title challenge.

Vinny Perth preserved St Patrick's unbeaten record with a last-gasp equaliser in Sligo last weekend and manager John McDonnell is calling on the club's supporters to turn out in force and spur on his rejuvenated side.

"When we were down in Sligo our fans stayed with us until the last whistle, and the lads needed that," he said. "We need all our supporters on Friday night, more than ever, to be our twelfth man".

St Patrick's are still without long-term casualties Colm Foley and Chris Armstrong while Stephen Caffrey (calf) and Stephen Brennan (stomach bug) also miss out.

The second round draw for the eircom League Cup takes place before the game and will be broadcast live from the ground on RTE Radio at 7.30pm.

Bohemians have bagged eight goals in their last two games in all competitions but travel to meet Derry City with injury concerns over Fergal Harkin and Des Byrne but John Paul Kelly returns from suspension.

The two promoted teams, Dubin City and Sligo Rovers, go head-to-head at Dalymount Park and City
boss Dermot Keely sees his squad stretched by injury.

Mark Rooney (knee), Ben Whelehan (heel), Paul Crowley (hamstring) and Ger McCarthy (ligaments) are all sidelined.

City may be unbeaten in two games following their recent League Cup win over Kildare County but Keely wants his players to be more ruthless in attack.

"I'll be looking for an improved display against Sligo and the players are aware of what is expected of them and it's up to them to go out and deliver," he said."

Robbie Collins looks set to continue after his midweek opener against Kildare while first-choice goalkeeper Gary Rogers returns between the posts ahead of Dave Conroy.

Sligo came within seconds of defeating St Patrick's last week but must dig deep on their travels to topple a side they failed to beat in four attempts last season.

Damien Richardson must decide whetherAlan Bennett and George O'Callaghan should return for the game with Longford.  The pair are close to full-fitness but could be rested until Monday's Setanta Cup semi-final with Shelbourne.

Having missed the midweek game with Derry City, Shelbourne's Colin Hawkins could return for the game with Waterford United at the RSC.  Captain Owen Heary is suspended while Ollie Cahill is an injury doubt.

Elsewhere, the Setanta Sports Cup committee have fined Shelbourne €5000 for "persistent non-co-operation in relation to television and liaison issues" during the competition.

Some €3,000 of this fine has been suspended subject to their being no further breaches of the participating clubs' agreement that players and officials present themselves routinely for match-day interviews.

Drogheda's request to register an additional goalkeeper ahead of their semi-final with Linfield has been rejected.  Dan Connor is suspended for the game and reserve Charlie Treacy is doubtful with a groin injury.

But the competition committee cited the February 22nd deadline as the final date by which clubs could register players.

Doolin reacted by saying: "Charlie is a good young professional and my technical team and I will work with him to make sure that he is prepared for the game".

A decision on the venue for the Setanta Cup final (April 22nd) will be made next Wednesday morning.

Finally, tickets for Monday's Setanta Cup semi-final between Cork City and Shelbourne at Turners Cross have gone on sale around the city and will also be available at tomorrow's game with Longford.