St Pat’s V Drogheda,
Tonight, 7.45pm
BY DAIRE WALSH
WITH just three European spots available this year, St Pat’s boss Liam Buckley is aware of the importance that each victory brings.
The champions kept their title defence on track with a ruthless 5-2 thrashing of Derry City which featured a hat-trick for Christy Fagan. But Buckley warned: “There’s only three spots in Europe this year, and there’s probably going to be five teams, if not more, chasing those spots.
“So, it’s important we just keep ourselves in the mix.”
With eight wins under their belt, Saints will be hoping to add a ninth triumph when they entertain Drogheda United at Inchicore tonight.
Yet, despite acknowledging the difficulties that Robbie Horgan’s United have faced in recent weeks, Buckley is eager for his charges to focus on their own game.
He added: “They’ve obviously gone through a little sticky patch on their end of it. From where we’re at, we’ll try and concentrate on our own game, make sure we tighten up and not give anything away. We obviously had plenty of clean sheets last year. We want to get back to keeping clean sheets. I just don’t like conceding any goals.
“The second goal against Derry was just a mistake but equally we’re just dropping back too deep maybe.
“There’s stuff we can work on to try and not concede chances to the opposition.”
Keith Fahey (ankle) is the only doubt for Saints tonight.