Monaghan and Bray begin fight for Premier Division survival

Monaghan United and Bray Wanderers commence their two-legged battle for a place in the 2011 Airtricity League Premier Division at Gortakeegan tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

United easily accounted for Waterford 3-1 in the First Division play-off but they will, once again, have to step their performance up a gear when they take on Premier Division outfit Wanderers.

Monaghan boss Mick Cooke will have to plan without Barry Clancy who is serving a one-match suspension, however, Karl Bermingham is set to return to the squad.

Looking ahead to the first leg of the clash, Cooke said: “Having watched Bray against Shamrock Rovers last weekend, I was very impressed with them and was therefore surprised to see them go down to Galway United.

“It will be their performance against Rovers that I will be expecting, so we will have to be at our best if we are to account for them.”

Wanderers will have to plan without Adam Mitchell and Dave Webster, as both players are suspended for the trip north.

Otherwise, Pat Devlin will have the same squad to choose from that were available against Galway on Tuesday.

Bray’s Director of Football Pat Devlin said: "Monaghan have had a fantastic season. We know it will be tough and know what to expect, and we will be prepared.”