Bray Wanderers -v- Dundalk
Credit:
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray host Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds for the season's final night of action or rather for what they hope will be the last night of action for them this season.
They have now spent nine successive seasons in the top flight but are in danger of slipping into the relegation play-off should they fail to pick up a result against Dundalk.
However, the Seagulls are in good form at the moment having picked up two wins on the bounce against Limerick and Bohemians.
That win at Dalymount Park was marred however by an injury to captain Danny O'Connor who suffered a groin problem and his availability will be touch and go up until kick off and he will undergo a late fitness to determine whether or not he plays a part on this important night for the club.
Pat Devlin, manager and director of football, believes the visit of second place Dundalk will make for an interesting encounter.
He said: “It was very good to get the three points against Bohs although we rode our luck at times but I think we just about deserved the win.
“We haven't been having any luck of late but the game against Dundalk will be an interesting game and one that is intriguing between two teams who need the points so it will be all to play for.”
DUNDALK
The league side with one of the best away records in the country will be looking to bring the curtain down on their campaign by securing second spot away to Bray.
They were rampant during their last home game when they crushed Cork 4-0 last Friday but face a tough task against a Bray team fighting for their lives.
Dundalk have been busy over the past week or so and have secured the services for next season of 12 of their squad from this year already, certainly working fast having gained their highest league finish in 18 seasons.
Darren Meenan returns from his suspension for the Lilywhites for their trip to the seaside but Keith Ward will play no part as he continues his recovery from long term injury.
Captain Stephen O'Donnell insists the hard work must still be put in to finish in that second spot, saying: “We wanted to sign off in style at home last weekend and thankfully we did that and now we must go to Bray and get the result we need to finish runner's up.
“This season has been a great achievement and I have thoroughly enjoyed it but it is not finished yet and we have to go and win this final game and we are all ready to do that so hopefully we can go out there and end this year on a high.”
Referee: Tomas Connolly
MATCH STATS
This marks the third season in succession that this fixture has taken place on the last night of the season.
Bray waited 10 years from their first meeting before they managed a league win against Dundalk, a run stretching from 1986 to 1996, and included 10 games before they managed it at the 11th attempt.
A win for Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds would ensure consecutive victories at that ground for the first time since the turn of the millennium.
BETTING
Bray 11/5, Draw 12/5, Dundalk 11/10
PREDICTION
A determined Dundalk to end their season on a high, Bray 0-2 Dundalk.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Danny O'Connor (groin).
Suspended: None.
Dundalk
Injured: Keith Ward (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
