Drogheda hope to maintain title challenge against lowly UCD

Drogheda United will bid to maintain their fantastic recent form that has seen Mick Cooke’s side win their last five games when they take on UCD at Hunky Dorys Park tonight (kick off: 7.45pm).

The Students held St Patrick’s Athletic to a draw last week but have not won in five.

Drogheda midfielder Ryan Brennan is serving an additional one-match suspension for his red card against St Pats. Gavin Brennan is suspended due to yellow cards while Brian Gannon is back following a knee injury.

UCD continue to have doubts over the availability of Ger Barron (toe), Graham Rusk (knee), Chris Mulhall (groin), Cillian Morrison (ankle) and Sean Russell (back).

Drogheda United boss Mick Cooke is not taking anything for granted thisevening.

"We are on a good run at the moment, but we have to translate our away form into some good results at home now," he said. "I will just be taking everything one game at a time.

"I think it's still too early to call us title-contenders, we still have everyone left to play and we have to play Sligo twice.”

UCD manager Martin Russell said: "Drogheda have had a fantastic season.

"Recent results have been extremely impressive and we know that the game in Hunky Dory Park is going to be very tough.

"It will provide an incredible challenge both from a footballing sense and physically but we are definitely ready.

"Last time out against Pats was a great confidence booster for our lads, getting something from the game when in previous matches we might not have."