Cork City -v- Bray Wanderers

CORK CITY

The home side come into this game after a solid win against Bohemians up in Dublin which put some space between them and the bottom four which are becoming slowly isolated.

Cork City have been far from impressive at home, with only two victories in six games at Turner's Cross. Their last home win came over a month ago, when they beat a visiting UCD side 2-1. City boss Tommy Dunne, when speaking to CorkCityfc.ie, recognised the difficulty of the task ahead.

"It is a tricky game for us. We are expected to win, but Bray are in quite good form at the moment and have nothing to lose. It will be a difficult game but we have to make sure that we play properly."

The Leesiders will look to Denis Behan to provide the cutting edge when Bray visit on Friday as the striker has found the net in his last two games, away to Bohemians and at home to Limerick City.

Tommy Dunne's Cork side have fallen victim to a number of late goals this season, with especially cruel stoppage-time goals coming against Shamrock Rovers which cost them two league points and a Setanta Cup Final spot. However, last time out against Bray Wanderers it was Dunne's side which benefitted from the late drama for once. A late equaliser coupled with a 93rd minute goal stole all three points for City.

This week 20 years ago, Cork City claimed their first League Of Ireland title. The Rebel Army will be hoping the introduction of that winning side at half-time can inspire their side to capture all three points.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers make the lengthy trek down south to Leeside after earning an impressive point against Sligo Rovers with a battling display at the Carlisle Grounds last week. Nonetheless, the Seagulls are still only two points above last placed Shelbourne. 

Bray's Director of Football, Pat Devlin, was more than pleased with his sides' performance and even noted that "With a little luck we could have won the game." He'll be aware that his side need to continue to pick up hard-earned points if they're to avoid the drop this season.

Ahead of this Friday's game at Turner's Cross, Devlin was reminded of Bray's 1-2 defeat to Cork at home only a few weeks ago;

"We only played a couple of weeks ago and we are very familiar with each other, I expect a close game and we hope to give a good account of ourselves."

Club Captain, Danny O'Connor, made his first appearance in a month as a substitute in their 4-1 Leinster Senior Cup victory over Tolka Rovers on Tuesday night but picked up another injury. The central defender will receive treatment right up until kick-off and Bray supporters will hope he can reclaim his place at the heart of their defence.

Bray's defence will also be boosted by the return of Shane O'Connor and Dave Webster who both sat out the win over Tolka Rovers. Along with no suspensions, this gives Devlin a full squad to choose from.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

MATCH STATS

Bray's only away victory over Cork City came way back on 11th January 1987 when Martin Nugent scored to give the Seagulls all three points.

The Rebel Army have won over half (28) of all league meetings between both sides while Bray have only won a measly eight times out of 52 fixtures.

Both sides managed a clean sheet on the opening night of the season but while Bray managed their second of the season last week at home to Sligo, Cork are yet to keep their opposition scoreless for a second time. Bray have also conceded in every game on the road, while Cork have conceded in every home game. Expect goals.

BETTING

Cork City 8/13, Draw 12/5, Bray Wanderers 5/1.

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-1 Bray Wanderers. 

Cork City

Injured: Brian Lenihan, Kevin Murray.
Doubtful: Neal Horgan (Knee) & Daryl Kavanagh (Flu).
Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Danny O'Connor.
Suspended: None.