
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic: Preview, Results, Prediction
Sullivan and Lambe Park has seen its share of tense Dublin Derbies, but few matchups carry the weight of Drogheda United versus St Patrick’s Athletic. The Saints have built a commanding head-to-head record over two decades, and with another Premier Division clash on the horizon, both sides enter with very different momentum. Here’s what the numbers and form say heading into their next meeting.
Next Match Date: 17 Apr 2026 · Kick-off Time: 18:45 UTC · Competition: Premier Division · Venue: Sullivan and Lambe Park · Recent Result: 1-3 (Drogheda 1, St. Patrick’s 3)
Quick snapshot
- St Patrick’s hold 32 wins from 62 H2H meetings (SoccerPunter H2H data)
- Drogheda have won just 13 of those 62 encounters (SoccerPunter H2H data)
- Last league clash (Apr 2025) finished 0-0 (FootballPredictions.net match report)
- Official matchday lineups for April 17 (FotMob injury update)
- Whether key midfielder Chris Forrester recovers from injury (FotMob injury update)
- Exact formation approach from either manager (FotMob injury update)
- Apr 17, 2026: Next Premier Division meeting at Sullivan and Lambe Park (Sofascore match details)
- Recent: 0-1 Drogheda win with Thomas Oluwa’s 6th-minute strike (Sofascore match details)
- Apr 21, 2025: Last league H2H ended goalless (Sofascore match details)
- Both clubs will assess fitness through training this week
- Live score tracking available via Sofascore and Flashscore
- Ticket information through official club channels
The key facts table below summarizes the head-to-head record, league standings, and recent results that define this rivalry heading into the April 17 fixture.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Next Fixture Date | 17 Apr 2026 |
| Competition | Irish Premier Division |
| Stadium | Sullivan and Lambe Park |
| Last Meeting Score | Drogheda 1–3 St. Patrick’s |
| St Patrick’s H2H wins | 32 of 62 matches |
| Drogheda H2H wins | 13 of 62 matches |
| H2H draws | 17 of 62 matches |
| St Patrick’s current position | 2nd (23 points, 12 games) |
| Drogheda current position | 9th (10 points, 11 games) |
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic results
The historical ledger heavily favours the Saints. Across 62 meetings tracked by SoccerPunter, St Patrick’s Athletic have claimed victory 32 times compared to Drogheda’s 13 wins, with 17 draws punctuating the rivalry (SoccerPunter H2H statistics). Goals tell the same story: St Patrick’s have netted 97 times against Drogheda’s 45.
Recent match outcomes
In the 33 most recent fixtures catalogued by FootyStats, St Patrick’s Athletic won 21 of those encounters while Drogheda managed just 4 victories, with 8 draws making up the remainder (FootyStats recent H2H data). The Saints’ recent away form has been particularly clinical, winning their last two H2H matchups by 4-1 and 1-0 margins according to SportsGambler (SportsGambler betting preview).
Historical head-to-head
When looking at matches specifically at Drogheda’s home ground, St Patrick’s have won 5 of the past 10 meetings there, with Drogheda claiming just 2 victories and 3 draws (SportsGambler home venue stats). FotMob’s current tally shows 26 wins for St Patrick’s, 6 for Drogheda, and 12 draws (FotMob H2H tracker), suggesting the overall record remains firmly in the Dublin side’s favour.
The pattern is unmistakable: St Patrick’s Athletic have built an extended unbeaten streak against Drogheda, going eight matches without defeat (3 wins, 5 draws) as documented by FotMob (FotMob unbeaten streak data). The catch is that recent form for both sides suggests this may be one of Drogheda’s better chances to break that spell.
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic live stream
Following live coverage of this fixture is straightforward through major football tracking platforms. Sofascore and Flashscore both offer real-time score updates, statistics, and match events for League of Ireland Premier Division games (Sofascore live coverage).
Streaming options
Neither club streams matches directly through their own platforms for domestic league fixtures. The primary route for live statistical updates remains the specialist football apps, which provide goal scorers, possession percentages, and shot maps in real time. Broadcasting rights for League of Ireland matches vary by region, so checking local sports coverage listings closer to matchday is advisable.
Broadcast details
Kick-off at 18:45 UTC on April 17 places this fixture in the evening slot typical for Premier Division matches. International viewers should account for timezone differences, with the match occurring at 19:45 Irish Standard Time.
The implication: dedicated streaming is unlikely, but live score apps will keep followers updated throughout.
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic score
The upcoming match score remains to be determined, but past results offer context for expectations. The most recent league encounter between these sides on April 21, 2025 ended in a 0-0 stalemate (FootballPredictions.net match record), illustrating that despite the overall H2H dominance, draws are far from uncommon.
Live score updates
Tracking the match as it unfolds requires one of the established score apps. Sofascore’s dedicated match page for this fixture provides minute-by-minute commentary, starting XI confirmations, and in-game statistics (Sofascore match centre). FootyStats prediction data suggests 70% likelihood of over 1.5 goals and 45% chance of both teams scoring (FootyStats goal projections), though these figures carry medium confidence given the unpredictable nature of derby matches.
Final score history
Reviewing the last two decisive results: St Patrick’s won 4-1 at home before a 1-0 victory away, according to SportsGambler’s records (SportsGambler recent results). However, a recent 0-1 result where Drogheda triumphed thanks to Thomas Oluwa’s goal in the 6th minute demonstrates the visitors cannot take anything for granted (Sofascore match details).
Form books tell a mixed story: St Patrick’s have been dominant historically but Drogheda claimed a 1-0 win in one of their most recent encounters, suggesting the margin between these sides has narrowed.
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic prediction
Analysts lean toward a St Patrick’s Athletic victory, though the margin remains uncertain. FootballPredictions.net tips the Saints to win 1-0 (FootballPredictions.net forecast), a scoreline that would extend their overall H2H dominance while reflecting how tight the fixture often proves.
Form analysis
St Patrick’s Athletic come into this fixture in stronger shape. Their recent seven-match record shows 4 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat, placing them second in the League of Ireland Premier Division with 23 points from 12 games (SoccerPunter form guide). Drogheda United, by contrast, have managed just 2 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses in their last seven outings, leaving them ninth with 10 points from 11 games (SoccerPunter league standings).
Key factors
The Saints’ away record this season shows 3 wins from 4 matches, a strike rate of 75% that underscores their ability to perform on the road (SoccerPunter away form data). Drogheda have managed only 1 away victory all season. FootyStats data shows St Patrick’s posting an xG of 1.99 at home with a 60% win rate in the early 2026 season (FootyStats xG analysis), though notably this match is away from their home ground.
“We think that Drogheda United will need things to go their way to score goals against this St. Patrick’s Athletic lineup who we reckon should end up scoring and possibly keep a clean sheet as well.”
— Lucas Pereira, Analyst at FootballPredictions.net
Drogheda’s xG at home may be modest, but their 1-0 win over St Patrick’s earlier proves they can frustrate the Dublin side. Whether they replicate that defensive solidity will define the match.
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic lineups
Official starting elevens for April 17 will only be confirmed on matchday, but recent selections and injury news provide clues. FotMob’s match preview flags midfielder Chris Forrester as a potential doubt for St Patrick’s Athletic (FotMob team news), while Drogheda have been managing defender Scott Brady’s availability.
Predicted teams
Based on recent league lineups, St Patrick’s have typically deployed a 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on wide attacking play. Drogheda have favoured a more conservative 4-5-1 setup at home, seeking to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. The midfield battle—particularly whether Forrester features—will shape which approach proves viable.
Injuries and changes
Drogheda United have struggled for consistency, and the absence of key figures through injury has compounded their difficulties. Their single win from recent away fixtures highlights how reliant they are on specific individuals to unlock compact defences. St Patrick’s, sitting second with 23 points, possess greater squad depth to absorb absentees.
“Back Saints to Overcome Drogs.”
— SportsGambler prediction verdict
What this means: Drogheda must hope their key players recover quickly, while St Patrick’s can absorb absences thanks to superior squad depth.
Timeline
- : Head-to-head record between clubs begins systematic tracking
- : Last league clash ends 0-0 at Richmond Park
- : Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic, Premier Division at Sullivan and Lambe Park
- : Drogheda 1-0 win over St Patrick’s with Thomas Oluwa’s 6th-minute goal (Sofascore goal report)
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed
- Match scheduled for 17 Apr 2026 at Sullivan and Lambe Park
- St Patrick’s hold 32 wins from 62 H2H meetings
- Drogheda have 13 wins in that span
- St Patrick’s sit 2nd with 23 points; Drogheda are 9th with 10 points
- The Saints are unbeaten in their last 8 H2H encounters
- Recent 1-0 win for Drogheda suggests the gap can be bridged
Unconfirmed
- Official matchday lineups
- Whether Chris Forrester recovers in time
- Final scoreline on the night
- Whether this signals a shift in the H2H trend
“The numbers tell a home-led, low-scoring story with a clear edge for the hosts.”
— FootyStats analysis on recent H2H patterns
St Patrick’s Athletic enter as clear favourites based on standings and historical record, but Drogheda’s recent 1-0 upset proves they cannot be dismissed. For neutrals, the intrigue lies in whether Drogheda can reproduce that performance consistently.
Summary
The numbers tell a familiar story: St Patrick’s Athletic have dominated this rivalry across more than six decades of meetings, winning nearly twice as many encounters as Drogheda United. Their current league position—second place with 23 points—further reinforces the quality gap. However, Drogheda’s recent 1-0 victory over the Saints proves they possess the tools to upset the form book. With both clubs managing injury concerns heading into the April 17 fixture, the outcome may hinge on which side recovers key personnel fastest. For St Patrick’s, the message is clear: maintain composure and exploit Drogheda’s away vulnerabilities. For Drogheda, the path to points runs through defensive discipline and clinical finishing on the counterattack.
Related reading: St Patrick’s Athletic vs Hegelmann Litauen
Drogheda United head into this fixture buoyed by a goalless draw with Bohemians at United Park just two weeks ago, underscoring their defensive resolve against St Patrick’s Athletic.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:45 UTC on April 17, 2026, which translates to 19:45 Irish Standard Time.
Where can I buy tickets for St Patrick’s Athletic vs Drogheda United?
Tickets for this fixture should be available through both clubs’ official websites and ticket portals. Drogheda United manage sales through their home venue, Sullivan and Lambe Park, while St Patrick’s Athletic handle their allocation separately for away supporters.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams?
Across 62 documented meetings, St Patrick’s Athletic have won 32 times, Drogheda United 13 times, with 17 draws. The Saints have scored 97 goals to Drogheda’s 45 across those encounters.
Who are the key players to watch?
Thomas Oluwa recently scored the decisive goal in Drogheda’s 1-0 win over St Patrick’s. For the Saints, midfield creativity from key players—contingent on Chris Forrester’s fitness—will drive their attacking play.
How to follow live stats during the match?
Sofascore and Flashscore both offer real-time statistics, live scores, goal notifications, and in-depth match data for League of Ireland Premier Division fixtures.
What was the score in the last meeting?
The last league encounter on April 21, 2025 ended in a 0-0 draw. However, Drogheda secured a 1-0 victory in a separate fixture through Thomas Oluwa’s early goal.
What are the league standings entering this match?
St Patrick’s Athletic sit in second place with 23 points from 12 games. Drogheda United are ninth with 10 points from 11 games, indicating a significant quality gap between the sides this season.