League Preview: Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers

BOHEMIANS

Bohs will be hopeful of opening a larger gap between themselves and Bray after Friday’s game against the Seagulls. The Gypsies currently lie in ninth place, just six points above the Wanderers, but they do have two games in hand on their opponents. Bohemians will be confident of getting a decent result and will also be encouraged by their recent displays, including last week’s 3-2 loss to title chasers Dundalk.

Owen Heary was proud of his team’s performance against the Lilywhites, saying “Facing Dundalk with some key players missing, the lads put in a tremendous performance.” The Bohs boss then added, “The pleasing thing for me is that the players came off disappointed, and that shows you how far we have come. They’re coming off saying they should have got something from the game.”

Dinny Corcoran scored one of Bohs’ two goals against Dundalk and he will be key to a good result against Bray. In his last five games against the Seagulls, Dinny has scored eight goals, including a hat-trick the last time the sides met earlier this season.

The Bohemians’ manager wants his team to finish strongly. Heary said “We want to finish as high as we can. If we end up higher than, say, Drogheda and Limerick, it’s a good season for us. If we get to a cup final, it’s a great season.” But he isn’t underestimating Bray coming into his match as he acknowledged, “We have to keep our heads on. Bray will be missing a few players but we mustn’t start to think, ‘This will be easy’.”

Bohs will have nearly a full squad to choose from, with Dave Mulcahy returning to the side after missing last week’s game. However, Steven Beattie is still serving the last match of his suspension, while Anto Murphy and Dan Byrne are also out of contention for the game through injury.

BRAY WANDERERS

The signs have all been ominous for Bray in the last while, with it looking certain that they will be fighting tooth and nail to stay in the Division. But now things are looking a little brighter after some brilliant performances have given them some breathing space from the bottom sides. Draws against Athlone Town and Cork have been followed up by a massive win over UCD in last week’s round of matches.

Ismahil Akinade and Jake Kelly scored the all-important goals as they beat UCD 2-0, and jumped three points ahead of their relegation rivals. Another win against Bohemians would see Bray drag in two, and possibly even four sides, into this relegation battle, including tomorrow’s opponents.

Bray Wanderers manager Alan Matthews was not only pleased to see his side win their first game in fourteen league matches, but also with his team’s performance. The Bray boss said, “We know what we need to do this Friday night and we know it's important we build on our good result last weekend." However, this league game is already going to be a lot tougher due to injuries and suspensions to his squad.

Bray are heading into their game with Bohs with several players likely to miss out. Michael Barker is still suspended after his red card against Cork City. There are also an incredible three other players who will be sitting out the game, due to reaching four yellow cards. Ismahil Akinade, David Cassidy and Dave Scully will all be out for the crucial match. Bray also have injury worries with Hanlon, McGill, Hughes, O’Neill and Mitchell all facing late fitness tests.

Referee: Kevin O’Regan

MATCH FACTS

Bohemians hold the upper hand on Bray this season, winning their last game 5-0, drawing the one before that 1-1 and winning 5-1 in the Leinster Senior Cup earlier on this season.

Bray have only won away once all season, and that was against Drogheda United way back in April. Bohs, on the other hand, have only won two home games in the league all season, although they came recently against Cork City and Drogheda United. 

Bray have scored the least amount of goals in the whole division, which is twenty-one, while Bohemians have the tightest defence out of the bottom six clubs, conceding only thirty-one goals.

BETTING

Bohemians 1/2; Draw 11/4; Bray 11/2

PREDICTION

With Bray possibly being without the majority of their strike force, I’d say it will be Bohs 2-0 Bray.

Bohemians

Injured: Anto Murphy, Dan Byrne.
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Steven Beattie

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None
Doubtful: Eric McGill, Shane O’Neill, Adam Hanlon, Philip Hughes, Adam Mitchell.
Suspended: Dave Scully, David Cassidy, Michael Barker, Ismahil Akinade.