Drogheda United travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday evening to face Derry City in the opening game of the 2024 season.
The four meetings between the sides in the league last season saw mixed results. Kevin Doherty’s side pulled off a 1-0 win in the first meeting in the Brandywell in a game where both sides finished with ten men.
Derry won the return fixture at Weavers Park a month later before winning 3-0 at the Brandywell in August. The final clash between the sides in October saw a scoreless draw played out in Drogheda.
Team News
In team news, Luke Heeney will miss the trip to the Brandywell through suspension, following his red card against Shelbourne on the final day of the 2023 season. Goalkeeper Jethren Barr is also doubtful, having not featured in pre-season due to injury.
Referee: Damien MacGraith
Assistants: Wayne McDonnell, Richard Storey
Fourth Official: Marc Lynch
LOITV / LMFM
For those not travelling to Derry, the game will be streamed live on LOITV. Sign up to a LOITV Season Pass now, selecting Drogheda United as your club: https://www.loitv.ie/en-int/page/season-pass-1
David Sheehan will also have live commentary on LMFM: https://www.lmfm.ie/on-air/special-broadcasts/droghedalive1/
Supporter Information | The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Lone Moor Rd, Derry BT48 9LA
Derry City have provided the following information for visiting supporters attending the fixture on Friday.
The Brandywell Stadium is located on the Lone Moor Road in the Brandywell area of the city. It’s around a 15 minute walk from the city centre.
Due to the redevelopment of the Brandywell we have reduced capacity in away tickets. Away fans will now be situated in Block M of the Southend Stand. Please enter from the Anne Street entrance (below car park) and make your way to this area of the stand.
Parking
The Brandywell Stadium is situated in a residential area and normal parking restrictions apply. Please check the area where you are parking for these restrictions and take care not to disturb local residents.
Limited spaces are available in the car park next to the greyhound track and can be accessed from the Lone Moor Rd. A number of car parking spaces will also be available at the Foyle Valley Railway Museum.
Access to the club car park is strictly restricted to those who have applied to the club in advance and those that require disabled drop off and collection access.
Is there somewhere to buy food during the game?
Third party hot food outlets will operate on both sides of the ground. Please note that these outlets are cash only.
Can I bring my own food?
Absolutely. However stewards may ask you to remove bottle tops and other items in order to comply with stadium regulations.
Alcohol is banned in the ground and supporters attempting to bring alcohol into the ground may have this seized and/or be prevented from accessing the stadium.
Are there toilets in the ground?
Yes, toilets are available at the back of Southend Stand, just behind the away block.
Regulations
No alcohol is permitted in the Brandywell Stadium and this will be strictly enforced by Derry City Stewards inside the ground. The surrounding area is also an alcohol-free zone and all supporters are asked to comply with this stipulation when attending matches.
The use of Flares, Smoke Bombs & Pyrotechnics inside and outside the ground on Match Day is strictly forbidden. Anyone found in possession of such items or who discharges such items inside or outside the ground on Match Days is liable to face a ban from Derry City F.C. games for an indefinite period.
In the interests of safety and security supporters may be asked to remain behind for a short period after the final whistle before being escorted to their transport.
In the interests of the health, safety and welfare of all those attending the game all supporters are asked to comply with the instructions and directions of Derry City F.C. stewards and security personnel.
