Eircom Leagues
2009-08-07 - Drogheda Utd vs Shamrock Rovers
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: Republic of Ireland, Premier League
Friday, 7th August 2009 - Kickoff 7.45pm
DROGHEDA (9th - Home Rec : W2 D5 L4)
Last Friday Drogheda were only seconds away from a terrific victory over leaders Bohs but conceded a goal in the third minute of injury time and had to settle for just a point. It was harsh on a Drogheda side who had deserved to win the game. It showed that Drogheda have improved vastly over the last few months after a terrible start to the season.
Drogheda failed to win in their first 10 games and only managed 3 draws in that run. It took them to their fifth game to score their first goals and get their first point, which was in this fixture against Rovers in a 2-2 draw.
Drogheda have made it difficult for Rovers in the 2 league games they have met so far this season, with the other game being a 1-1 draw. They also drew 1-1 at Rovers in the Cup but Rovers won 3-0 in the replay.
Drogheda's form has also been much improved over last 2 months. Over the summer they had gone on a 6 game unbeaten run which included great wins over top sides Derry City and Cork City and as mentioned above a 1-1 draw at Shamrock Rovers.
However the last 3 games has seen 2 defeats but they bounced back last week with a fine performance against Bohs. Drogheda could certainly give title chasing Rovers a few problems in this game.
DROGHEDA LAST 5 GAMES W1 D2 L2
Sligo 2-2 Drogheda
Derry 0-1 Drogheda
Drogheda 1-2 Bray
Dundalk 4-2 Drogheda
Drogheda 1-1 Bohemians
SHAMROCK ROVERS (2nd - Away Rec : W5 D5 L1)
Rovers continuted their fine form last week with a 2-1 win over Derry City which put them only 3 points behind Bohs at the top of the table. It also left Derry City 11 points behind Bohs and could have put them out of the title race. Rovers have now gone 12 games unbeaten and 8 of them have been victories.
However last Sunday Rovers were very fortunate to come away with a victory as Derry had dominated the game for long spells but failed to convert the chances that came their way. Rovers were clinical in front of goal as they so often have been this season.
Rovers away form has also been very good this season and they have suffered defeat only once in a 2-0 defeat at Bohs earlier in the season.
Rovers will definitely have to perform better this week as they mite not be so lucky playing away to a much improved Drogheda side. Boss Michael O Neill may have to do without Ian Bermingham, Ollie Cahill, Stephen Rice and Padraig Amond as they all recover from knocks recieved againsts Bohs 2 weeks ago.
ROVERS LAST 5 GAMES W4 D1 L0
St Patricks 1-2 Rovers
Bray 1-2 Rovers
Rovers 3-1 Sligo
Bohs 0-0 Rovers
Rovers 2-1 Derry
THE BETTING VERDICT
Despite Rovers being in second place and on form I think Drogheda will cause plenty of problems for them as they did to leaders Bohs last week.
Rovers were fortunate to get the win last week and I think the handicap bet of DROGHEDA +1 GOAL is worth going for. This bet is available at EVENS.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take DROGHEDA +1
