Drogheda United FC -v- Bray Wanderers AFC

• P.J. Murray
• Thu, Mar 12 2009


Drogheda United welcome Bray Wanderers to United Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm) for what will be an important game for both sides as they stare into a season with the tags of relegation candidates.

Fighting spirit
Drogheda succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Derry City in the opening fixture and by all accounts were a team of strangers despite a battling display. The fact that they limited the normally free-scoring Candystripes to a single goal can be taken as a huge positive for Alan Mathews' side. Bray, meanwhile, already have one point on the board as they held Shamrock Rovers to a scoreless draw at the Carlisle Grounds, Chris O’Connor keeping the hosts in it with a string of fine saves.

Tough times
However, despite some positives from last week's trip to the Brandywell, Drogs manager Matthews is remaining realistic. “The Bray game is only our second league game of the season, and our first competitive match in front of our home support," he said. "We’re going to have to work hard and play well on Friday night against a tough Bray outfit. You have to earn wins in this league.” Opposite number Eddie Gormley is of the same view. "Going into Friday's game we know they have a new squad but it won't be easy," he said, adding: "It’s always a difficult place to go and get a result."

Fitness concerns
The home side are expected to be without midfielder John Paul Kelly, who went off injured in Derry. James Chambers and Paul Crowley also have minor knocks and are both doubtful. Bray are also facing some fitness concerns with a decision to be made on whether or not new signing Stephen Brennan will travel. However, Seagulls defender Derek Foran has been cleared to play after being retiring early in their draw with Rovers.