League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Bray Wanderers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Seeking to bounce back from their most recent defeat to Shelbourne at Tolka Park, Drogheda United host a re-invigorated Bray Wanderers at United Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders were undone by a late Derek Prendergast winner at Tolka Park last time out after midfielder Sean Brennan fired the Drogs level after Ciaran Kilduff’s early opener.

The defeat was Tim Clancy’s side first since their one goal defeat at home to Longford Town where Aaron Dobbs scored the winner for the visitors at United Park.

It was also Drogs first away defeat since their first game against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

The defeat saw Drogheda fall to five points behind Shelbourne in top spot while Limerick were able to cut the gap on third to just three from four the previous week.

Speaking to LMFM after the defeat to the Reds at Tolka Park, Clancy cut a disappointed figure; “I don’t think there’s a single person in the ground who doesn’t think we’re hard done by.

“What a half of the season we’re after having there. I’ve said it to the lads that we couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

In terms of team news, Drogheda have confirmed that midfielder Thomas Byrne has departed the club.

BRAY WANDERERS

After their late heroics over Longford Town, Bray Wanderers will be hoping to back up what was a morale-boosting win with another positive result away to Drogheda United on Friday evening.

Hugh Douglas popped up with a 92^nd minute winner for the Seagulls who went a goal behind with just five to play as Luke Nolan headed into his own net.

Killian Cantwell soon levelled before Douglas arrived at the near post to deliver a much-needed winner for Gary Cronin’s side.

The result saw Bray cut the gap on local rivals Cabinteely in 5^th before they play each other next week at Stradbrook.

However, all the focus is on the next game for Gary Cronin’s side who face the daunting trip up to United Park.

“Any team can defeat anyone so all you can do really is turn up and win our games,” Cronin told extratime.ie after the game.  

“We’ll see where that takes us. Of course, the title is out of our hands but finishing in the top spots is well within our grasp and that’s what we have to try to do.”  

In terms of team news, for Bray, Hugh Douglas is suspended while Jake Ellis is a doubt with a knee complaint.

Referee: David Keeler.

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers are unbeaten in their previous six games against Drogheda United. The Boynesiders last win over the Seagulls came in March 2015.

Drogheda United have picked up 19 points from their previous ten games while on the other hand Bray have picked up 16 in the same amount of time.

The Seagulls have only won away from home three times all season, beating Cabinteely, Athlone Town and Galway United.

BETTING

Drogheda United 10/11; Draw 23/10; Bray Wanderers 12/5.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 - 1 Bray Wanderers

Drogheda United

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Jake Ellis.

Suspended: Hugh Douglas.