Mathews has full squad for first game

Drogheda United boss Alan Mathews will be hoping for victory in his first competitive game at United Park as his side take on Bray Wanderers, kick-off 7.45pm.

Drogheda have a full squad to choose from, although John Paul Kelly, James Chambers and Paul Crowley all have minor knocks and are a slight doubt.

United boss Alan Mathews said: “Many games are going to be tight affairs this season. The last time there was a ten-team league, it threw up a few surprises in terms of results, and I expect it to be no different this year. There will be no middle ground in the league this season, and each game is going to present different challenges for us.

“The Bray game is only the second league game of the season, and our first competitive match in front of our home support. 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.

“We have a narrow squad, and have a few injury doubts going into this game, but injuries are part and parcel of football."

Stephen Brennan is back in contention after missing the season opener and will undergo a fitness test before the game.

Derek Foran who was stretchered off last Friday after a heavy fall has recovered and had no reaction in training and will be in the squad for Drogheda.

Bray boss Eddie Gormley said: "We got off to good start, we probably shaded things and we must now keep the momentum going which I think we will as we have great team morale.”