Candystripes bid to bounce back from Sligo thrashing against Drogs

Derry City will be looking to forget their midweek trouncing at Sligo Rovers and halt Drogheda United’s recent good form when they welcome the Co Louth side to the Brandywell tonight.

The Candystripes suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of table-toppers Sligo on Tuesday night in their EA Sports Cup quarter-final and were pegged back from 2-0 up to draw with Cork City last week.

In the meantime, Drogheda have won their last two league games and knocked Dundalk out of the EA Sports Cup on penalties in midweek.

and sit tight in a bunch of three clubs chasing leaders Sligo.

The Brandywell side are without suspended pair Ryan McBride and Stewart Greacen, who also suffered an ankle injury in Tuesday's defeat to Sligo.

Owen Morrison is an injury concern while Michael Barr is line to make his debut.

Drogheda will give fitness tests to Brian Gannon, Sean Brennan and Philip Hand while ex-Monaghan United player Conor McMahon joins the squad.

Derry City manager Declan Devine highlighted the tough task ahead for his side.

Devine said: "Drogheda are a very good team and one of the most physical sides in the country.

"They are direct in their approach and out-powered us when we last played them."

Not surprisingly, Drogs boss Mick Cooke, was in an upbeat mood.

He said: "I don't know any player who doesn't enjoy going up to Derry, especially with the atmosphere their fans create. It's always a wonderful experience.

"I've had good results against Derry in my career and we have already beaten them earlier this year. But we are under no illusions that this will be an easy game and I'm sure they will provide tough opposition."