League Preview: Cork City -v- Bray Wanderers

CORK CITY

They may be four points from the top but with each game that passes (and each three points notched), Cork City refuse to let go of Dundalk’s coat-tails thus maintaining the pressure at the top and defying the nay-sayers.

Having suffered back to back defeats in May, the Rebel Army bounced back to embark on a run of six consecutive victories; conceding only once in those games. Fast forward a couple of months and again Cork City suffered back to back defeats. Once more John Caulfield’s men proved their ‘bouncebackability’ with a Colin Healy inspiredvictory over St Patrick’s Athletic and an equally impressive away win against Derry City. Again they have battened down the hatches and have kept clean sheets in both those games, reaffirming why they have the stingiest defence in the league

On paper, tonight’s round of fixtures teases the Leesiders with an opportunity to close the gap at the top with an apparent “straightforward” game against second from bottom Bray Wanderers, while pace-setters Dundalk appear to have an altogether trickier task of travelling to Sligo Rovers...on paper.

Of course football isn’t played on paper and speaking to tonight’s City Edition Gearóid Morrissey is taking nothing for granted.

“There’s no team in this league that can be underestimated. You need to treat every game the same. You need to have the same amount of preparation done for each game and Bray will be no different.”

Of course Morrissey is right and although Bray have only two points to show from their last thirteen games, they are the only side to both beat Dundalk and keep them scoreless this season. They also won at Turner’s Cross last year so it would be foolish for the Rebel Army to underestimate their former manager Alan Mathew’s side.

Speaking to CorkCityFC.ie about the game, manager John Caulfield hinted that injury and suspension will prompt him to shuffle his deck for the visit of The Seagulls.

“We will have to make at least two changes, but we will probably make three or four to try and freshen things up. We are hoping for another big crowd because our supporters know how important every game is to us now.”

Recent signing Ross Gaynor will miss out having accumulated four yellow cards this season while Rob Lehane once again misses out having injured his ankle in the EA Sports Cup defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Despite scoring on Friday night, fan favourite John O’Flynn picked up a knock and it is expected he won’t be risked, while long-term absentee Michael Rafter is out for the rest of the season.

BRAY WANDERERS

Having started the season so brightly, Bray Wanderers travel to Turner’s Cross with all the characteristics of a side in free-fall. Sixteen points from their opening twelve games was not the form of a side tipped for a relegation scrap pre-season, however two points from the next twelve as well as the worst goal difference in the league saw them revert to type and paints a grim picture for the Wicklow side.

Crowd numbers have also started to dwindle at the Carlisle Grounds and despite having the cheapest season tickets in the league, a paltry 180 (estimated) people showed up for their clash with Sligo Rovers last Friday night. Suffice to say it’s not the best of times to be a Seagull’s fan.

It is because of all these factors that you can get Bray Wanderers at a lofty 11/1 to win tonight with your bookies, but with perhaps low expectations the pressure is somewhat off Alan Mathews’ men tonight and firmly on the Leesiders to deliver.

Jake Kelly took his place on the bench last Friday night as he recovers from injury, and if fit he has the ability to produce a bit of magic to upset the Rebel Army’s applecart. Elsewhere David Cassidy and Ismahil Akinade have caused Cork City trouble in the past, somewhat justifying Gearóid Morrissey’s insistence that Bray Wanderers should not be underestimated.

There are no suspensions in the Bray Wanderers side while David Webster again misses out through injury. Like Kelly, Eric McGill and Adam Hanlon are doubts with neither of the latter pair being fit enough to make the matchday squad last Friday.

Referee: David McKeon.

MATCH STATS

Last Friday night saw John O’Flynn score his first goal for Cork City since 20th June 2008 when his goal helped Cork City win 5-0 against Cobh Ramblers. O’Flynn will not be able to add to this tonight however, as he is expected to miss out with a knock picked up last Friday.

These sides also met on this weekend last year, when Cork City travelled to the Carlisle Grounds and won 2-1 on the 16^th August – Ian Turner (6’), Ismahil Akinade (17’) and Ciarán Kilduff (80’) with the goals on that occasion.

Bray Wanderers have scored 18 goals in 24 league games this season, the lowest tally in the league. (U.C.D. are second lowest with 23.) 

BETTING
Cork City 1/5; Draw 5/1; Bray Wanderers 11/1.

PREDICTION

Cork City 4 Bray Wanderers 0.

Cork City

Injured: Michael Rafter, Rob Lehane, John O’Flynn.
Suspended: Ross Gaynor.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: David Webster.
Doubtful: Eric McGill, Adam Hanlon, Jake Kelly
Suspended: None.