League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers fell to their first defeat of the season on Friday night as they let a two goal lead slip to Bohemians, eventually losing the game 3-2.

Two goals in as many minutes at the beginning of the second half from John Sullivan and Dylan Connolly had given Harry Kenny’s side a 2-0 lead.

However, a Dinny Corcoran-inspired comeback saw Bohemians clinch the game as the forward scored a goal either side of Keith Ward’s strike, which was assisted by Corcoran.

Before the defeat on Friday, Bray had recorded back-to-back wins to kick off their league campaign as a 2-1 victory against St. Patrick’s Athletic was followed by a 5-3 win at home to Finn Harps.

The Seagulls boss Harry Kenny look set to have a full strength squad to choose from on Monday night as his side look to get back to winning ways.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Pete Mahon’s Drogheda United will also be looking to get back to winnings following their 4-1 defeat to Cork City on Friday.

Mahon felt that Richie Purdy’s controversial red card just minutes after Stephen Elliott had brought the Boynesiders level drained his side at a time when they had got back into the game.

“I thought when we got the goal back at 1-1 that we’d lift our heads and the confidence would come back but the red card really drained us,” Mahon told the club's website.

The Drogheda manager admitted that his side will have to put in a better performance in what he expects to be another tough game.

"Bray will be irked having lost a two goal lead on Friday but we have our own reasons to go out and win the game. There’s no doubt that we’ll need to put in a much better performance to do so."

Drogheda will again be without long term absentee Killian Brennan while Richie Purdy will be suspended following his red card.

Captain Luke Gallagher is also a doubt after receiving stitches to an injury just above his eye. Friday’s goal scorer Stephen Elliott is also a doubt with a tight hamstring. In better news, the fit again Sean Brennan returns for the first time this season.

"We picked up a few knocks on Friday along with the suspension so it’ll be two or three changes for Monday but that’s why it’s a squad game. It’s an opportunity for others to impress and force their way in."

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers and Drogheda United will face each other again just eight days after Monday’s game as the two sides meet at United Park in the EA Sports Cup on Tuesday 21^st March.

The last six meetings of these two sides have resulted in three victories for Drogheda, two for Bray and one draw.

Bray have scored nine goals in their opening three games compared to Drogheda’s four. The Seagulls have also conceded seven in those three games compared with Drogheda’s four.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 4/7; Draw 11/4; Drogheda United 5/1.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2-2 Drogheda United.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Killian Brennan (broken collarbone).

Doubtful: Luke Gallagher (head), Stephen Elliott (hamstring).

Suspended: Richie Purdy.