League Preview: Dundalk -v- Bray Wanderers

Dundalk welcome Bray Wanderers to Oriel Park on Friday night in a fixture that could finally see The Lilywhites concede the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title to Cork City.

DUNDALK

Dundalk are seriously depleted for the visit of Bray with regular starters Patrick McEleney, Dane Massey and Niclas Vemmelund all ruled out of this clash due to injury while John Mountney and Steven Kinsella are also set to miss out.

Chris Shields and Tommy Stewart are doubtful for this match after both coming off the bench despite carrying injuries in Tuesday night’s FAI Cup semi-final replay against Shamrock Rovers which went all the way to extra-time.

The Lilywhites emerged 4-2 victors and progressed to a third consecutive FAI Cup final, where they will face Cork for the third time, in what was truly a classic cup tie at Tallaght Stadium – David McMillan scored twice on the night to take his goals tally in all competitions this season to 23.

“It was a mammoth task over both games and I think we done it the hard way a little bit. To surrender the lead so late the lads showed brilliant character to come back to get the two late goals in tough conditions out there,” said the Templeogue native.

“Personally, I’m delighted with my return on goals this season and we’ve four games left so hopefully there will be a couple more.

“You’ve got to go and win the match no matter what and thankfully we’ve a lot of big characters in the dressing room and went and did that.

“We have three league games remaining and we didn’t want those games to peter out, we wanted something at the end of it. Everyone will be vying for a place come the Aviva so it should keep us nice and competitive for the last few league games.”

BRAY WANDERERS

News of manager Harry Kenny’s imminent departure last week was just the latest chapter in what has been a turbulent season off the pitch for Bray Wanderers.

He issued a statement following last week’s 3-3 draw with Galway United at the Carlisle Grounds in which the club refused RTÉ’s cameras into the ground for reasons unspecified.

The statement read: “It was with mixed emotions that I inform the board of Bray Wanderers FC that I would not be available as manager for next season.

“I have had two happy and relatively successful years at Bray. Naturally, I regret that we did not achieve more in competition but progress has been steady and we are currently knocking on the door of European football. For me, a stage has been reached where I believe it important to give undivided attention to my role at the FAI.

“I will always recall with gratitude and fondness the respect and many kindnesses shown to me by supporters, players, board and backroom staff of the club.

“Special thanks are due to my Management team for their professionalism and forbearance and to the board for their trust and confidence in giving me an opportunity to manage a Premier Division club.

“Sincere best wishes for the future to all associated with Bray Wanderers Football Club.”

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH FACTS

This will be the 70th meeting between Dundalk and Bray Wanderers and The Lilywhites have the upper hand, winning 32 to The Seagulls 21 since their first encounter – a League Cup tie in 1985.

Bray Wanderers recorded a 3-1 win on their last visit to Oriel Park back in April thanks to two dispatched penalties from top scorer Gary McCabe along with a goal from Ryan Brennan.

Gary Rogers, Dane Massey, Chris Shields and Dylan Connolly have all played for Bray Wanderers while Peter Cherrie, Derek Foran, John Sullivan and Anto Flood have represented Dundalk in the past.

BETTING

Dundalk 2/7; Draw 9/2; Bray Wanderers 9/1

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2-0 Bray Wanderers

Dundalk

Injured: Steven Kinsella, Dane Massey, Patrick McEleney, John Mountney, Niclas Vemmelund.

Doubtful: Chris Shields, Tommy Stewart.

Suspended: Conor Clifford.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.