News

Mick Cooke’s Post Match Thoughts Vs Bohemians

November 7, 2018

By Robert O’Reilly

“Every game can’t be pretty but we grinded out the result tonight” was the assessment of Mick Cooke following Drogheda United’s tight 1-0 victory over Bohemians at Hunky Dorys Park.

The victory was Drogheda’s seventh league win in their last eight games but they were matched for long periods by a resolute Bohemians side.

“For the first 45 minutes I thought we were excellent and perhaps should have been two goals up. However, Aaron Callaghan changed the shape of his side at half time and really pushed his full backs further forward and put us under immense pressure. In fairness, at the end it was a charge of the Alamo by Bohemians and we were fortunate to survive. I think the two games last weekend against Sligo, both being very competitive, draining fixtures took their toll and it was all hands to the pump for the final 15 minutes.”

Not for the first time, it was a Declan O’Brien goal that proved the difference for the home side after Gavin Brennan had been upended in the box.

“Fabio will always score goals. I think his enthusiasm showed when we were awarded the penalty, he was like Usain Bolt trying to catch the ball to make sure he would take it! That epitomises the confidence he has and he is a terrific professional to work with. That was his twelfth of the season and I’m sure he won’t be stopping there.”

Shamrock Rovers will travel to Hunky Dorys Park next Friday for a crunch clash, in what will be a rehearsal of the league cup final in September.

“It is another massive game next week. Depending on the result of the Sligo Rovers versus Shamrock Rovers game on Monday, we could potentially be playing to go top of the league on Friday. We will keep doing our job and all of the top sides must play each other again so something has to give. Hopefully it isn’t us.”

An eleventh league victory of the season with a third remaining represents a remarkable turnaround from last year where the club struggled to only seven wins and a ninth place finish.

“I have been pleasantly surprised with how well we are doing. A good cup run and a mid-table finish was my aim but we have exceeded that. With two-thirds of the season gone we are second in the league, have a cup final to look forward to and we remain in contention for the F.A.I cup. Everyone at the club is enjoying the experience and there is a wonderful atmosphere around the place.”

With a congested fixture list on the horizon, the Drogheda boss believes he has a squad deep enough and strong enough to cope with the challenges ahead.

“I believe that there is enough depth in the squad to compete on three fronts. If you looked at our bench tonight we had Alan McNally, Tiarnan Mulvenna and John Sullivan. Conor McMahon was sitting in the stands while Cathal Brady was injured. It is imperative to take each game as it comes. We will have a light training session Sunday and then begin preparation for Shamrock Rovers on Friday.”