Dundalk FC kick off home campaign with Louth Derby

Dundalk FC were unlucky not to leave the Brandywell Stadium with all three points on the opening night as Derry City snatched a late penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw last week.

The Lilywhites' focus now turns to tonight's live televised SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division Louth Derby against local rivals Drogheda United at Oriel Park. Kick-off at 8.00pm.

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It is Dundalk’s first home game of the season, and excitement is building around the Carrick Road ground, refreshed with a new pitch and new floodlights.

In team news, Harvey Warren completes his suspension following his red card in the play-off final, while Mayowa Animasahun faces a late fitness test.

Conor O’Keeffe returns from illness, and Leo Gaxha continues to make good progress in his recovery. All other players are fit and available.

Speaking ahead of the game, manager Ciarán Kilduff expects another tough test. He said: “Drogheda United have a clear identity and they’ve been more than competitive in this division over the past few years.

“We respect their quality and know we face a serious test, but we have to trust our progress.

“We gave a very good account of ourselves last week against Derry City and were disappointed not to take all three points. Now we’re looking forward to measuring ourselves against another strong side.”

He added: “There’s a real buzz around the place and the squad can’t wait. After everything that’s happened over the past 18 months or so, it’s a special occasion to have a live televised Louth Derby in Oriel Park, on a new pitch under new floodlights.

“This is the platform we wanted - and now that it’s here, we’ll make the most of it. Our fans will play a massive part.

“There’s a real connection between them and the players - they give us energy. They’ve been through a lot over the past few seasons, so we take pride in representing the town and the wider community.”

Captain Daryl Horgan is looking forward to playing top-tier football back at Oriel Park. He said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to have Premier Division football back at Oriel Park.

“Drogheda United have gone from strength to strength over the past few seasons, which is great for them and for the league.

“On our side, the last few years have been challenging, and we’ve had to rebuild - so this is set up to be a really competitive Louth Derby, and it’s one everyone is looking forward to.”

“The experienced players we’ve brought in will be vital. It’s an incredibly tough league, and we knew we needed proven Premier Division quality - including lads who have recently won the title.

“Bringing in the likes of Harvey and Ronan from the First Division has also strengthened us as a group and increased the competition for places.”

“Now it’s about matching the level we showed in Derry and pushing on again. We went there last week, targeting three points and were disappointed not to come away with the win.

“Our mindset is simple: we’ll be going into every match this season looking to win.”

Rob Hennessy has been appointed as referee and will be assisted by Emmett Dynan and Dermot Broughton, with Neil Doyle as the fourth official.