League Preview: Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be aiming to get their first points of the season when they take on the challenge of high flying Bray Wanderers in Phibsborough. The Gypsies have made a disappointing start to the season with back to back defeats, first at the hands of Derry City (1-4) and then being narrowly beaten 2-1 by Shamrock Rovers in a tense Dublin derby in the televised game last Friday night at Tallaght Stadium. 

Bohs boss Keith Long is only too aware of the need for his side to get points on the board but realises the importance of remaining patient, telling www.bohsfc.ie, “It’s important we start to pick up points. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We are only two games in and we’ve played two of the best teams in the league.”

The Gypsies boss Long knows the challenge that Bray Wanderers pose saying to www.bohsfc.ie, “We know they’re going to be tough opponents but we are determined to get our season up and running. Bray had a strong second half of the season last year when Harry Kenny came in and have continued that form into this season.”

Long believes the key to Bohs getting a positive result on Friday night will be cutting out the unforced errors, stating to www.bohsfc.ie, “We know where we need to work on and improve. We’ve been our own worst enemy at times. It’s individual mistakes that have cost us, but we’re not that far away.”

Long will be without the services of Daniel Byrne who picked up an ankle injury last Friday against Shamrock Rovers but is hopeful that Dinny Corcoran will be fully recovered from his knock in the same game. Izzy Akinade is still recovering following a spleen operation while Eoin Wearen remains out with a cruciate injury.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will make the relatively short trip to North Dublin to see if they can maintain their 100% start to the season in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division. The Seagulls have been in scintillating form with two wins, first at St. Patrick’s Athletic (1-2) followed by a topsy turvy 5-3 win over Finn Harps at the Carlisle Grounds last Friday night with Anto Flood and Gary McCabe among the goals.

Bray boss Harry Kenny is understandably delighted with the start his side have made telling http://braywanderersfc.ie, “It has been a good start with maximum points from our opening two games. While we take each game on its merits, we are happy to be the top scorers in the league so far. It’s early days but satisfying. I am happy with our new signings and their goal rate.” 

The Seagulls boss Kenny believes that Bohemians are not to be taken lightly telling http://braywanderersfc.ie, “We are looking forward to Friday night. Away to Bohemians is never an easy game so it is important we prepare properly this week.”

Kenny is relishing the tough task of facing two games in quick succession and believes his side are well equipped to handle the challenge saying to http://braywanderersfc.ie , “It is going to be a busy weekend – Bohemians FC away on Friday followed by a quick turnaround to face Drogheda United on Monday night – but the squad is training and preparing well.”

Kenny was also eager to acknowledge the contribution of the Bray Wanderers fans this season stating to http://braywanderersfc.ie, “I have to say we are really impressed with our fans – both home and away. The strong crowd is giving the players great support and lift.”

Bray boss Harry Kenny has some injury concerns ahead of the clash with Bohemians with Hugh Douglas doubtful due to an ankle injury while Kenny will be left sweating over the fitness of striker Anto Flood who also picked up a knock in the game against Finn Harps last Friday night.

Referee

Robert Hennessy

MATCH FACTS

Bohemians and Bray Wanderers were inseparable last season in the league with Bohemians winning 2-0 at the Carlisle Grounds in the first game followed by a 0-0 draw at Dalymount Park and Bray getting revenge in their final league match with a 2-1 win at home.

The Gypsies and The Seagulls have met each other 58 times since 1996 with Bohemians winning on 35 occasions, Bray Wanderers winning 10 times, with 13 draws. Bohemians scored 103 goals, averaging 1.78 goals per game, with Bray averaging 0.78 goals per game.

BETTING

Bohemians 14/5, Draw 12/5, Bray Wanderers evens.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-1 Bray Wanderers

Bohemians

Injured: Dano Byrne, Izzy Akinade, Eoin Wearen

Doubtful: Dinny Corcoran

Suspended: None

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None

Doubtful: Hugh Douglas, Anto Flood

Suspended: None