Drogheda United -v- Bray Wanderers

• P.J. Murray
• Thu, Jun 21 2012




 

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United re-commence the season in fourth place. For a side who were quoted at 200/1, the rank outsiders, to win the league, it’s not been a bad performance by Mick Cooke’s side.

 

The Boynesiders last outing in the league was a televised 2-1 win at Oriel Park over local rivals Dundalk. Their fourth position has been helped by a plethora of goals corers. An over-reliance on under-performing strikers last season saw them remain towards the bottom, but an ability to score this season has seen them ascend the table.

 

Europe has been a word very much whispered around Hunky Dorys Park, but there is a belief in the squad that if they can continue in the same vein of form then Drogheda’s first continental trip in a few years could be on the horizon.

 

Drogheda have already put one over their seaside rivals this season, a come from behind 4-2 win at the Carlisle Grounds which saw six different scorers on the night. Mick Cooke has no injury worries ahead of the game, his only problem is that Eric Foley is unavailable for selection due to suspension, the midfielder was dismissed against Dundalk.

 

Speaking ahead of the clash the former Mons boss has said that his side are looking forward to get the league campaign underway again.

 

“In my two years here at the club I've always enjoyed the games against Bray, Pat Devlin never makes it easy for us. They were hitting some form before the break and I'm sure they will carry that into tomorrow night. 

 

“You have to remember, Bray were the form side last season and they are more than capable of putting a run together. But we have been training well over the break and my lads are raring to go. We are looking to build on the hard word we put in at the start of the season and three points tomorrow would be a great start for us.”

 

BRAY WANDERERS

Pat Devlin’s side are currently eight in the table, but they have been boosted by a recent upturn in form which has seen Jason Byrne awarded the Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month award.

 

The striker scored five goals in seven games during the month of May and there is no doubt he is the main danger for Drogheda. The Seagulls recorded a comprehensive 3-1 in their last game before the break.

 

Bray have won only four games this season, two at home and two on the road, they may have been the form side last season, but they have yet to set the league alight this year. However, they are on level points with Bohs and only a point above Cork.

 

Director of Football Devlin is aware of the difficulty of the task facing his side, he said: "It will be a tough task in Drogheda, they are a very good side but we are looking forward to the challenge."

 

He only has one injury worry ahead of the game and that is a doubt over striker Jonathon Kelty while former Arklow Town player Sean Hurley has been called up to the senior squad.

 

Referee: Padraigh Sutton

 

MATCH STATS

Drogheda’s last win against Bray at Hunky Dorys Park came on the 28^th of February 2010.

 

Drogheda’s have only won twice at home while Bray have recorded only two road wins.

 

BETTING
Drogheda 20/19, Draw 13/5, Bray 29/10

 

PREDICTION
All aboard Drogheda 3-1

 

Drogheda United Injury News: None

Drogheda United Suspension News: Eric Foley

 

Bray Wanderers Injury News: Jonathon Kelty

Bray Wanderers Suspension News: None