League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United

BRAY WANDERERS

League leaders Bray Wanderers host Drogheda United for a game that could go a long way to deciding the destination of the First Division title (kick-off 7.45pm).

With just seven games remaining, Bray hold a tenuous two-point advantage over the Boynesiders but, crucially, have home advantage on Friday night.

A small crowd will be allowed into the Carlisle Grounds but, for the rest, the game will be broadcast live on the Seagulls’ Facebook page.

Gary Cronin’s side come into the game on the back of five straight wins – and two in the last week – following recent victories over Longford Town and Cobh Ramblers.

A brace from Sean McEvoy and a third from Gary Shaw saw the Seagulls to a handsome 3-0 win over Longford at the seaside on Friday night.

Monday night’s trip to Cobh was an altogether more tense affair as Aaron Barry scored a second-half winner after Charlie Lyons had cancelled out Joe Doyle’s first-half opener.

Bray have a clean bill of health ahead of Drogs’ visit as Cronin has neither injuries nor suspensions to contend with.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda can regain their position at the top of the table with three points in Wicklow as they look to end a three-year absence from the top flight.

A hard-fought draw with Longford two weeks ago saw the Boynesiders lose their place at the top but they’ve responded with back-to-backs wins over UCD and Shamrock Rovers II.

Tim Clancy’s side came from behind to take the three points in both games, with striker Mark Doyle bagging five of their six goals across the two games.

The striker scored twice early in the second half as Drogs battled to a 3-1 win away to UCD on Friday night, with Stephen Meaney adding a third late on.

Brandon Kavanagh handed Rovers an early lead at United Park on Tuesday but a hat-trick from Doyle saw the home side record a 3-2 win.

Clancy has been hit by the news that Jordan Adeyemo will miss the rest of the season following appendix surgery but has an otherwise full squad to choose from.

Referee: Damien McGraith.

MATCH STATS

Bray have the league’s best defensive record with just ten goals conceded in 13 games, while Drogheda are third having let in just 14 in the same number of games.

Drogheda ran out 3-1 winners when the sides met at United Park earlier in the season, with Mark Doyle, James Clarke and Stephen Meaney all on target.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 5/4; Draw 9/4; Drogheda United 9/5.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2 – 2 Drogheda United

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Jordan Adeyemo.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.