Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United

BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers will be hoping to secure their second win of the season and pick up their first home points when they welcome Drogheda to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening. Having got off the mark for the season last time out against UCD, the Seagulls won't be short of confidence heading into a game in which recent history is on their side.

Director of Football Pat Devlin has no new injury worries for the visit of United but long terms absentees Shane O'Connor and Stephen Brennan remain out. Defender Pierce Sweeney is available for selection after missing last week's thrilling win over the Students after serving his one game suspension.

Inevitably Devlin was relieved to get off the mark for the season but knows Drogheda will provide a stern test as Bray look to record back to back victories. "I'm looking forward to it I know it will be tough as it always is against Drogheda, but I'm looking forward to the challenge"

DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda have made a good start to the season with four points from three games to their name which sees them in sixth position. Despite their league form, the Drogs were knocked out of the Leinster Senior Cup on Monday by Firhouse Clover on penalties, a result which infuriated boss Mike Cooke.

Cooke made several changes to his side for Monday’s cup tie. Declan O'Brien is a slight doubt after taking a knock during that game. The only two certain absentees are the suspended duo of Paul Crowley and Eric Foley who both saw red in the Louth derby last week.

Speaking ahead of the game, the United boss is hoping Monday’s poor performance will spur them onto victory. “Bray are a well organised side and they had a good win last weekend, so that will give them a lot of confidence. We had some wins there last season and I always enjoy going to the Carlisle Grounds. It won't be easy, but hopefully Monday was the kick that we needed. I'm glad it came so early in the season. I will again be making more changes and giving the players who didn't play on Monday a run out.”

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS
Bray won three out of the four league encounters last season, winning twice at Hunky Dory's Park and once at home.

Drogheda beat the Seagulls twice last season though, in the EA Sports Cup plus winning in the league at the Carlisle Grounds.

The last time the sides played out a scoreless draw was in April 2010 at Hunky Dory's Park.

BETTING
Bray Wanderers 9/5; Draw 9/4; Drogheda United 7/5

PREDICTION
It’s a close one to call but Drogheda have been in fine form and will be confident of claiming three points in Wicklow; 2-1 Drogheda

Bray Wanderers Injury News: Shane O'Connor (groin), Stephen Brennan (hamstring)

BrayWanderers Suspension News: None

Drogheda United Injury News: Declan O'Brien (slight doubt)

Drogheda United Suspension News: Paul Crowley, Eric Foley