Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Thu, Sep 24 2009


There is a crucial match at the foot of the table tomorrow night in the Carlisle Grounds as Bray Wanderers host Drogheda United with only a point separating the sides. A win for either side will do wonders in the fight for survival.

The Seagulls have two certain absentees with Gary McCabe suspended and Paul Byrne injured. Derek Foran is doubtful for the hosts as he is still struggling with a groin strain.

Wanderers boss Eddie Gormley knows it’ll be a challenge for his side: "We played well for an hour last week but then gave away a poor goal that let them back into the game. It will be tough on Friday night. It’s a real six pointer. The players are really up for it, I just hope we have enough to get the win".

Drogheda go into this game without the services of the banned Paul Shiels and the absent Shane Barrett. Doubts remain over the fitness of Eoghan Osborne who went off injured in the match against Derry City. However, Alan McNally, Robbie Clarke, James Chambers and William Woods will all be back in contention for a place in the squad after being suspended.

United manager Alan Matthews is hopeful his side can win: “It is an important game this Friday night. Yes, we did win in the Carlisle Grounds earlier in the season but we have to remember Bray beat us in Drogheda already. It’s good to have a full squad to select from, the return of Alan McNally and James Chambers is obviously a big boost to us. The game on Friday night will be under different circumstances than when we previously faced the side, but, as always, we will just go out to complete our job. That is all we can do.”

Extratime.ie prediction: 1-1. Both sides will be looking for the three points but the most likely result will be a draw.