League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- St Patrick's Athletic

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Sep 18 2014




BRAY WANDERERS

Alan Matthews’ Bray Wanderers resume their fight against relegation, as they host third place St Patrick’s Athletic at the earlier kick-off time of 7:05 PM this Friday night.

 

The Seagulls know that a win against The Saints would pull them six points clear of the relegation play-off spot currently occupied by UCD. While The Seasiders know a defeat would leave them just three points ahead of The Students having played a game more.

 

Matthews knows that visit of the league champions will be a tough challenge for his side, but the 49 year old expects his side to give a positive account of themselves in front of the RTE television cameras on Friday night.

 

“With the League Champions coming to town, I expect my lads to give a good account of themselves and get the right result,” Matthews insisted.

 

Full back Michael Barker has served his recent suspension, but is still struggling with an ankle injury. Philly Hughes and Eric McGill are also doubts with respective thigh and groin problems, while Robert Maloney misses the game through suspension after picking up four yellow cards.


 

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Inchicore side travel to Bray on the back of qualifying for the FAI Ford Cup semi-finals by beating Bohemians 3-2 at Richmond Park last Friday.

 

Saints Captain, Ger O’Brien was delighted with the well fought win that helped the Inchicore club continue their bid for their first FAI Cup since 1961.

 

“Last week was a good win. We played really well.  We had to work our socks off at the end, but we battled hard and did well to get the win.”

 

Liam Buckley’s side travel to the seaside brimming with confidence following recent form. However, a win at The Carlisle Grounds is never easy to come by and The Saints Boss knows that Friday’s fixture will be no different.

 

“We’re going out to Bray on Friday night to get the win, but we know that it’ll be a tough game as we’ve never had an easy game out there since I’ve been in charge,” Buckley admitted.
 

Despite The Saints primary objective being qualifying for Europe Buckley believes that if his charges can continue to work hard and extend their current form then they close the gap on second place Cork City and league leaders Dundalk.

 

“The lads though have been playing well lately and working hard in training so if we continue to do the right things, we can hopefully get the points and close in on the teams ahead of us.”

 

Defenders Derek Foran and Kenny Browne are doubts for the game and will both face late fitness tests to determine their fitness. Buckley has no other injury worries.

 

Referee: Paul Tuite.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Bray have won just 13 of the 82 all-time meetings between the clubs.

 

The Saints are unbeaten in their last eight games at The Carlisle Grounds.

 

St Pat’s have conceded just 11 goals on the road this season. No side have conceded fewer.

 

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 13/2; Draw 10/3; St Patrick’s Athletic 2/5.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0-2 St Patrick’s Athletic.

 

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured:  Michael Barker (Ankle), Philly Hughes (Thigh), Eric McGill (Groin).

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Robert Maloney.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Kenny Browne (Back), Derek Foran (Flu).

Suspended: None.