Bray Wanderers -v- Derry City

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be hoping to extend their excellent recent run of form when Derry City visit the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening in the final game before the mid-season break.

The Seagulls have lost just once in their last eight outings in all competitions and have picked up thirteen points from their last five league encounters including last week’s 5-4 victory in Belfield.

Pat Devlin's side experienced a turbulent start to the season as they found themselves with just one victory from the opening series of fixtures but their fortunes have turned around in recent weeks largely thanks to the form of their clinical frontman Jason Byrne.

Now in his fifteenth season, the 35-year-old's goal scoring exploits don't appear to be slowing down as he reached the landmark of 200 League of Ireland goals at UCD last weekend, bringing his tally to ten for the season.

The Republic of Ireland international, who has two caps, has now found the net nine times in his last three outings including consecutive league hat-tricks and will be eager to continue his streak when the Candystripes visit the seaside on Friday.

Byrne has been ably supported by teenager Ishmael Akinade who has found the net five times in the league himself but the striker is doubtful after picking up a calf injury last week.

The hosts will definitely be without Shane O’Neill and Eoin Hyland who are both still side lined with hand injuries while captain Danny O’Connor is doubtful with an Achilles complaint.

Looking ahead to the game, Bray Assistant Manager Eddie Wallace knows the size of the task awaiting his players. “We are looking forward to the game and we’re on a good run at the moment so I feel we can do well against Derry.”

DERRY CITY

Derry City travel south in hope of consolidating their position in second place as well as closing the gap on leaders St. Patrick’s Athletic as we reach the mid-way mark of the season.

After experiencing a minor dip in form a few weeks ago, the Candystripes have returned to winning ways and victory against the Seagulls will be their third consecutive win on the road.

Declan Devine’s side are currently six points adrift of St. Pat’s but have a game in hand and will be eager to continue their fine recent record at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday to keep the pressure on Liam Buckley’s charges.

The last time the Foylesiders suffered defeat at the Wicklow venue was back in 2010 and since then they have won five and drawn three but Devine has warned his players of complacency.

“We are fully aware of the threat that Bray Wanderers pose to us, They have had a couple of very good results lately, one of which included a very good draw against Sligo Rovers in Bray, obviously Jason Byrne is still one of the best strikers in the league.” He told the club’s website.

Derry will once again be without Thomas Crawley and Dermot McCaffrey but can welcome back former Bray duo Sean Houston and Paddy Kavanagh to the squad. However, Barry Molloy continues to struggle with a calf niggle and hasn’t trained all week meaning he’s a doubt for Friday’s clash.

The Candystripes boss knows the importance of heading into the two-week break on the back of a positive result to put them in good stead for the business end of the campaign.

“We know that we must remain focused on the job at hand and be determined to come away with all three points. If we can do this and play to the best of our ability, I think we can finish off before the mid-season break with three points.” Devine added.

Referee:  Paul Tuite

MATCH FACTS

Last season’s 0-0 draw at the Carlisle Grounds was Bray’s first clean sheet against the Foylesiders in fifteen games.

Derry have won on four of their last five visits to the Carlisle Grounds.

Bray have scored at least 3 goals in their last 3 matches in Airtricity League.

Derry are undefeated in their last 8 matches against Bray Wanderers in all competitions.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 15/4; Draw 5/2; Derry City 7/10.

PREDICTION

The hosts are enjoying a terrific spell but the Candystripes should have enough to come away from the seaside with all three points; 1-3.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Shane O’Neill, Eoin Hyland (both hand)
Doubtful: Danny O’Connor (Achilles), Ishmael Akinade (calf)
Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Thomas Crawley, Dermot McCaffrey
Doubtful: Barry Molloy (calf)
Suspended: None.