UCD travel to Drogheda for top-flight return

Drogheda United open their Airtricity League Premier Division campaign against newly promoted UCD at United Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

United boss Alan Mathews has a full compliment for the season opener with new signings Paul Murphy, Corie Treacy, Joe Kendrick, Damien Brennan, Jamie Harris, Garreth O’Connor, Glen Fitzpatrick, Michael Daly and John Flood all included in the match-day squad.

Mathews said: “Every game will be a tricky game this season. We are all looking forward to the start of the season. UCD are First Division champions and they have a good squad and a very good manager.

“They have proven time and time again that they are capable of beating and finishing ahead of teams who are much better than them, they have improved their squad with their youth system and it will be a tough game.”

UCD travel to Drogheda for their return to top-flight football and have a strong squad to choose from.

Martin Russell’s squad is likely to contain some of the players who were victorious representing the college at the Collingwood Cup in Derry during the week.

UCD won the competition, beating NUI Galway 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the Brandywell.