Ardee News and Sport Soccer News Preview
Ardee News and Sport League of Ireland Preview: Waterford vs Dundalk
Dundalk Looking for Crucial Points Amid Financial Struggles
RSC, Friday Night – 7:45pm Kick-Off
Dundalk will travel to the RSC on Friday night in search of a much-needed win as they battle to survive in the Premier Division. The Lilywhites are currently bottom of the table, trailing ninth-placed Drogheda United by just one point, and a victory in Waterford could prove vital in their fight to avoid relegation.
The team is coming off a turbulent week off the pitch, having confirmed financial difficulties, which led to delayed wages for both players and coaching staff. Despite these off-field distractions, Dundalk will need to remain focused as they face a Waterford side that has already beaten them twice this season and drawn in their other encounter.
Josh O’Connor is a notable absentee after sustaining an ankle injury in training on Thursday, while Bobby Faulkner and Paul Doyle remain sidelined. With a depleted squad and intense pressure mounting, Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan emphasized the team’s determination to focus on football and secure a crucial result.
“While everything has been brewing in the background, we’ve been fully focused on the game in Waterford,” Horgan told the club’s website. “If we can keep playing and working, and do the stuff we know we can do, then we believe we can stay in the Premier Division. For the season that’s in it, that would be a massive achievement.”
Meanwhile, Waterford, sitting comfortably in sixth place with 40 points from 29 games, will be aiming to continue their dominance over the struggling Lilywhites. They triumphed 4-1 at home in May and secured a 2-0 victory at Oriel Park in their last meeting, with Connor Parsons and Dean McMenamy on the scoresheet.
The Blues will be without Sam Sargeant and Kyle White, but Niall O’Keeffe and Adam Queally are available for selection, giving them added depth as they look to compound Dundalk’s relegation fears.
Team News
Dundalk
Injured: Josh O’Connor (ankle), Bobby Faulkner, Paul Doyle
Suspended: None
Waterford
Injured: Sam Sargeant, Kyle White
Suspended: None
With Dundalk’s Premier Division status hanging in the balance, Friday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter as the Lilywhites aim to keep their top-flight survival hopes alive.
Referee: Rob Hennessy
Ardee News and Sport FAI Cup Preview: Athlone Town vs Drogheda United
Drogheda United Look to Bounce Back in FAI Cup Quarter-Final Showdown
Drogheda United will travel to Lissywollen on Friday night to face First Division side Athlone Town in the FAI Cup quarter-finals (kick-off at 7:45pm), eager to bounce back from a heavy 4-1 defeat against St Patrick’s Athletic in their last league outing. Despite the recent setback, which was compounded by a first-half red card for Luke Heeney, Drogheda will be aiming to prove themselves on the Cup stage.
The Boynesiders have enjoyed a strong FAI Cup run this season, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over rivals Dundalk in the second round before a dominant 9-0 win over Wilton United in the third round. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, Drogheda will be looking to carry that momentum into this crucial match.
However, manager Kevin Doherty will have to contend with some key absences. Defender Zishim Bawa has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and Shane Farrell remains doubtful as he continues to recover from an injury picked up against Sligo Rovers last month.
Athlone Town Eye Another FAI Cup Upset
Athlone Town, who play in the First Division, are hoping to cause another Cup upset after their remarkable third-round victory over Waterford. The Westmeath side will aim to reach the FAI Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2020, when they faced Dundalk.
However, Athlone enter the game on a poor run of form, having lost their last four league matches, including a 4-1 home defeat to Finn Harps. Manager Dario Castelo will also be without two key players for Friday’s clash, as both Dylan Hand and German Fuentes Rodriguez are suspended.
Despite these setbacks, Athlone will be looking to their Cup run to inspire them as they attempt to defy the odds once more.
Team News
Drogheda United
Injured: Zishim Bawa
Doubtful: Shane Farrell
Suspended: None
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A
Doubtful: N/A
Suspended: Dylan Hand, German Fuentes Rodriguez
With both sides seeking a coveted spot in the FAI Cup semi-finals, this encounter promises to deliver a fascinating contest. Drogheda will hope to avoid an upset, while Athlone Town look to take advantage of their Cup magic once again.