League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Dundalk

BRAY WANDERERS

While Bray Wanderers' off the field issues have threatened to derail their Premier Division survival battle on it, the team has gone through its best patch of 2015 in the period following Trevor Croly's appointment in early May – with the former Shamrock Rovers manager's eventual departure not affecting the players' form.

In the Seagulls' last eight league games, they have won five and drawn once, accruing 16 points from a possible 24 to move Bray into a comfortable midtable position. Vital victories over relegation-battlers Sligo Rovers, Derry City and Limerick came in that run, while they also overcame the Blues in the second round of the FAI Cup.

Croly left the Carlisle Grounds just before Bray's 1-0 league victory over Limerick at the start of July, with skipper David Cassidy acting as interim manager for the second time this season at the Market's Field. Since the appointment earlier this month of Mick Cooke as boss – the fifth man to oversee first-team affairs by the seaside this season – Bray have extended their winning run in the league to four games.

That's a run which will come under serious threat against the reigning Premier Division champions Dundalk when they visit Carlisle on Friday. Cooke will have to plan without Brian Kane, Jack Memery, James O'Donnell and Peter Durrad, with all four leaving the club by mutual consent during the week.

Goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness and winger Adam Hanlon are unavailable with ankle and knee issues respectively, but midfielder Peter McGlynn is available again following suspension.

DUNDALK

Dundalk begin a run of three games in eight days with a trip to the seaside to face Bray Wanderers as they continue their re-acclimatization to domestic matters following their Champions League exit earlier this month.

With a midweek EA Sports Cup semi-final against Galway United in Eamonn Deacy Park sandwiched between league games against Bray and Longford Town, it is a massive week for Stephen Kenny's charges who remain in the hunt for silverware in all three domestic competitions.

Following last week's 1-1 draw with Cork City in Oriel Park, Kenny believes his squad is ready to give everything they have in the second-half of the season and praised their attitude and desire.

“It was a hectic week for us last week with the games against BATE Borisov and Cork City but the players were excellent,” the Lilywhites boss told dundalkfc.com. “We have another hectic week coming up this week with the three games against Bray, Galway and Longford but the players are ready for it.

“The players have been very consistent all season. They have given everything and they want to win every game. They are hungry to win the game in Bray. We have had a few days rest after the game against Cork and the players are ready to go after it, we have everyone fit and looking forward to going there.”

With David McMillan ploughing a lone furrow up front for most of the campaign to date – with Kurtis Byrne seen primarily as a back-up option and Jake Kelly this week departing for Bohemians having made just six substitute appearances in the league – Kenny has bolstered his striking options with the signings of Ciaran Kilduff from St. Patrick's Athletic and free agent Sean Maguire.

While the Bray game may come too soon for Maguire, whose signing was only officially announced by the club on Thursday, Kilduff is available for immediate selection having completed his move from Inchicore on Monday. With no injury worries or suspensions, Kenny has a full complement to choose from.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers have won each of their last four games 1-0 and haven't conceded or lost since being defeated 1-0 by Cork City at Turner's Cross in early June. Dundalk have lost just once this season when they were beaten 2-1 by Bohemians in June.

The last time these two sides met, Dundalk ran out 8-1 winners at Oriel Park, a joint-record defeat for Bray – they lost 7-0 to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in April 2013.

Bray Wanderers' last victory over Dundalk came in April 2014 when David Scully's 65^th minute goal earned the Seagulls a 1-0 win at the Carlisle Grounds. Current Bray 'keeper Peter Cherrie was in goal for the Lilywhites that night, while Jake Kelly – who just this week departed Oriel Park – swung in the corner which led to Scully's goal.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 10/1; Draw 4/1; Dundalk 2/7.

PREDICTION

0-2.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Stephen McGuinness (ankle), Adam Hanlon (fluid on the knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.