Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians are in dire need of a result after last Friday’s dismal defeat against Dundalk in Dalymount.

This Friday they are home again as they take on fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers. Bohemians lie in 9^th position, just three points and one place above Bray which makes this game a real six-pointer even at this early stage of the season.

Bohs had put in some positive performances in the opening stages of the league, despite their points tally failing to reflect this. However, last Friday saw the Phibsborough team play like a team lacking confidence and belief and there is genuine fear amongst the Bohs fans that their team may face a relegation scrap this season.

The Gypsies will have to cope without their skipper, Owen Heary who remains on the long-term injury list.  Dave Mulcahy, Dave Scully, Darragh Reynor and Stephen Traynor are also rated as doubtful for this game.

Manager Aaron Callaghan was disappointed with his team’s performance last Friday, but he still believes in the long term potential of his squad.

“Dundalk were more efficient and they worked harder and that was particularly disappointing to me. Maybe the players were a bit affected by having that game just three days after the trip to Limerick. The schedule is dictated to us without consultation and now we have another three-day break before the rescheduled match against Pats. But we can’t blame the players. With a young squad you are more likely to have these errors and we have to keep supporting the young lads.”

He was keen not to put too much emphasis on this Friday’s game, perhaps in an attempt to shield his players from the pressure.

“Every game is a must win, whether we’re playing Bray or UCD or Shamrock Rovers.”

BRAY WANDERERS

The Seagulls travel to Dalymount Park after a dispiriting 4-0 defeat at home to Limerick FC on Sunday.  As things stand they are 10^th place in the league, with only a three point advantage on bottom club UCD.

Their only points in the league this season has come at the expense of the two teams below them, a win against Shelbourne and a draw with UCD. Both of these results were obtained at the Carlisle Ground, but their away form has been abysmal. They have lost their four away league fixtures, shipping 14 goals in the process while managing to score one solitary goal.  

When the sides met at Dalymount Park in the corresponding league fixture last year it ended in a 0-0 draw, a repeat of this result will not be welcomed by manager of either team as both must be targeting the three points.

Speaking ahead of Friday night's clash with Bohs, Bray’s Director of Football Pat Devlin spoke of his hopes for the game.

“Its always tough going to Dalymount but if we can create chances once again, I just hope the pattern changes and we can convert them.”

Referee: Sean Grant.

MATCH STATS

Bray have conceded 11 goals in their last two games.

Bohemians have lost four of their last five competitive games.

Bray have played Bohemians on 52 occasions in League competition, winning just 8 times, drawing on 11 occasions and losing 33 times.

BETTING

Bohemians 5/6, Draw 9/4, Bray Wanderers, 10/3.

PREDICTION

A game that neither team will want to lose, but also both teams might be afraid to take the required risks to win it. My prediction is a scoreless draw.

Bohemians:

Injured: Owen Heary.
Doubtful: Dave Mulcahy, Dave Scully, Darragh Reynor and Stephen Traynor.
Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Shane O’Connor and Kevin O’Connor.
Suspended: None.