With 31 goals in their 13 games to date, Drogheda United bring the most potent attack in the First Division to the Carlisle Grounds tonight.
But it’s Kilian Cantwell and the rock solid Bray Wanderers defence - the division’s meanest - who’ll be determined to repel Drogs’ title aspirations in reaffirming their own.
It’s a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash at the Field of Dreams as the hosts lead Drogheda by two points.
Gary Cronin’s happy Wanderers have won five on the spin in stretching their unbeaten league run to eight games.
And with their last defeat having come at United Park, central defender Cantwell and his team-mates have a score to settle.
Avenging that loss would be all the sweeter as it would push Bray five points clear at the top with just four games to play.
“That was a very tough game, away in Drogheda,” recalls Cantwell of the 3-1 defeat early last month.
“We just want to rectify the mistakes we made that night and bring the momentum we have into tonight.”
Bray haven’t exactly been goal-shy themselves, scoring 17 goals in this current eight-match unbeaten run.
Having conceded just three in keeping five clean sheets is an equally pleasing stat at Cantwell’s end of the pitch.
“Your defence starts from your attackers back through the team,” said Cantwell.
“And I think everyone is putting in a great shift in that respect. It’s all about the group and no one individual.
“It’s probably something we weren’t doing enough of last season. So it’s really good to see us doing it this year.
“We just need to keep doing what we have been doing.
“I know Drogheda are going to throw everything at us because they won’t want us getting a further step ahead.
“There will be goals, we know that. We just have to ensure we’re not on the receiving end.
“Their attack is strong, but so is ours. So it’s going to make for a very interesting match.
“I’ve never won a promotion so I want to tick that box.
“It’s in our grasp at the moment. We just want to go and get the job done.”
