Drogs take on Derry City

Drogheda United travel to Derry City tonight without three key players as they attempt to put last weekend’s hammering by Shelbourne behind them at the Brandywell (7.45pm).

The 5-2 thrashing by league leaders Shels effectively ended the Drogs’ title hopes but there is still a battle for second place with Bohemians to be won.

Paul Doolin’s side will be without injured top scorer Declan O'Brien and suspended duo Alan Reilly and Danny O'Connor. O’Brien has hip and groin strain problems and the loss of O’Connor from the defence could be compounded if left-sided Dutchman Jermaine Sandvliet fails a late fitness test.

With the home side virtually assured of premier division football next season, Derry manager Stephen Kenny has said he will use his side’s remaining games to assess the make-up of his squad for 2005.

To that end, striker Mark Farren has his first chance to impress the new manager after a season hampered by injury but defender Sean Hargan’s foot injury definitely keeps him out of the side again.

The only other injury problem concerns Killian Brennan, who took a knock against Shamrock Rovers but is expected to prove fit before kick-off.