Preview: Shamrock Rovers vs Bray Wanderers

Shamrock Rovers host Bray on Friday night at Tolka Park. The last time these two sides met Bray were winners by three goals to nil. Rovers at the time were the only side capable of catching Drogheda but this defeat ended those hopes. They were reduced to nine men after goalkeeper Barry Murphy and midfielder Paul Sheils were dismissed in the first half. The three points all but ensured Brays Premier Division status for this season - and moved them six points clear of Waterford.

Since then Bray have snapped up three former Rovers players. Full back Derek Pender and striker Andy Myler joined soon after the end of last season. They were then joined by Ger Rowe a couple of days before the end of the transfer window. Rowe’s departure from Rovers made headlines. The striker refused to play for Rovers again despite the fact that he was contracted to the club. It then became apparent that he had attempted to force the club to release him on a free transfer.

It’s going be interesting to see just how bad of a reception he receives on his first return to Tolka.

Rovers have picked up four points from their opening two games - an away win over Drogheda and a one all draw with Cork last Friday. Although he may not admit to it Pat Scully must be satisfied with those two results. Drogheda and Cork are two full time sides with huge budgets and are among the favourites for the title this season. Bray have just one point from their opening two games, a scoreless draw with Cork at Turners Cross in week one and then last week defeat by two goals to nil to UCD. Bray Manager Eddie Gormley has earlier this week said that pushing for a European spot is something which his side has the ability to do. However their first aim for the season is to avoid relegation.

Rovers are once again without long term casualties Padraig Amond and Aidan Price. Last seasons top scorer Tadhg Purcell is available for selection again. He missed the Cork game due to a suspension carried over from last season. Purcell played no part in the pre season games as he was recovering from injury. His only football to date has been circa twenty five minutes at the end of the Drogheda game. Two weeks have passed since then so although he will be lacking match sharpness he should be in good shape. Both Danny O’Connor and Dessie Baker missed some training sessions earlier this week through stomach illness - however it’s hoped that they will both be fit to start against Bray if selected. Chris Mulhall missed last week’s game and it’s now clear he will be missing for some time. The young midfielder has a cartilage problem.

Bray are once again going to be without what are probably their first choice central defenders. Both Kevin Doherty and Derek Foran picked up injuries in Brays final pre season game against Kildare and have not been able to feature since. In their absence Colm Tresson and Ray Kenny have been filling in. They were solid and impressive against Cork however last week against UCD they all too often looked shaky and vulnerable. Manager Gormley has no other options in that department so they are both expected to start against Rovers. Andy Myler is also ruled out through injury but Paddy Kavanagh is available to return.

Kavanagh was sent off against Cork and was subsequently suspended for last weeks defeat to his former club UCD.

Kick off is 8pm at the Tolka Park