Drogheda United and Waterford meet at Sullivan & Lambe Park on Friday night with both sides looking to build on what was a positive opening weekend for both.
Kevin Doherty’s men got off to the perfect start in Galway last week with new signing Jago Godden’s late strike giving them the edge in what was a tight encounter.
Jon Daly’s new look Blues were made to suffer in the first half of their clash with Shelbourne at the RSC going in 1-0 behind at the break. However, a Tommy Lonergan header in the second half saw them claim a very respectable point on opening night.
Key Information
Where to watch: LOI TV
Kickoff: 19:45
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd
Betting Odds: Drogheda @10/11, Draw @23/10, Waterford @14/5
Team News
Plenty of Drogheda’s new recruits impressed in Galway. Exciting fullback Edwin Agbaje played from the start and would be expected to retain his place, as would technical midfielder Ethan O’Brien after he delivered an impressive debut performance. He may be partnered in midfield with last Friday’s match winner Jago Godden. The 22 year old Kiwi on loan from Walsall hailed his winner at Eamonn Deacy Park as “one of the best moments of his career”. Kevin Doherty may be tempted to award him with his first start.
The triple change Jon Daly made in the 53rd minute against Shels really changed the game and won them an important point. The 3 players that made way in Conor Carty, Evan McLaughlin and Cian Barrett are all exciting new signings. The Blues boss has a big call to make ahead of their first away day of the season.
Key Statistics
Drogheda won their first home game last season convincingly against Sligo Rovers. However, in 2024 they were beaten 4-1 by Waterford in their home curtain raiser.
Waterford haven’t won an away game in league or cup since July where they beat Galway United under John Coleman.
Previous Meetings
5/10/25 Waterford 2-0 Drogheda
8/8/25 Drogheda 0-0 Waterford
30/5/25 Waterford 2-2 Drogheda
4/4/25 Drogheda 0-0 Waterford
Key Players
Ethan O’Brien joined Drogs from Humtsville City in the US in December with the reputation of being a technically gifted holding midfielder. One of Drogheda’s few weaknesses is their inability to be able to break down low blocks when the onus is on them to attack, O’Brien certainly will give them the right profile of player in the middle of the pitch to combat those problems. The Dubliner could be one to watch out for in 2026 as Drogheda try to make that next step and qualify for Europe.
Luke Heeney will return to Louth on Friday evening for the first time since making the switch down south to Waterford in the offseason. He adds energy and grit to Waterford’s midfield which was sorely lacking last season. If Waterford are to improve on their 9th place finish from last season they’re going to have to stop leaking so many goals and Heeney should certainly give them a better chance of keeping it tight at the back in this one.