While these two sides may have had different expectations at this stage of the season they come into this fixture as relative equals.
To date Bohemians have flattered to deceive. While they may expect to be competing at one end of the table they are firmly lodged at the other.
After a slow start to the season Bohs appeared to have righted their early season wrongs but they have come unstuck as of late
The Gypsies come into this one on the back of a three-game losing streak. They are seeking to arrest a run of results that leaves them scraping for survival, rather than competing at the top echelons of the table, a place they would have expected be at the start of the season.
The good news for Bohs is that a lot of the goals they have conceded are preventable and therefore easy to prevent.
After establishing an early lead against Derry City via a Georgie Kelly spot kick, the Dublin side conceded two soft goals that will leave them reeling and seeking to try to re-establish themselves at the top end of the table.
Players like Allie Coote, Ross Tierney and Liam Burt possess the quality to cause Tim Clancy’s side trouble but unless they establish more defensive stability, Bohs are destined to compete at the opposite end of the table than which they are accustomed to for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Drogheda are enjoying a relatively stable start to the season. The newly promoted outfit are quietly going about their business and look to have established themselves as a mid-table side for now at the very least.
The Drogs earned battling draw against a good Sligo side last time out, who put this afternoons opponent to the sword a few weeks ago, a result which will give them huge confidence ahead of this encounter.
If they can hold their composure there’s no reason why they can’t nick a result today
Chris Lyons has impressed in front of goal in recent weeks so if the Louth side can provide the centre-forward with decent service then they will fancy their chances in this encounter.
