League Preview: Derry City -v- Bray Wanderers

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes made their long awaited return to the Brandywell earlier in the week after 18 months following their stint playing their ‘home games’ at Maginn Park. They returned with an emphatic result as they trounced Limerick 5-0, Ronan Hale leaving his stamp on the game with an impressive hatrick.

 

However manager Kenny Shiels admitted City have no time to dwell on Monday night’s game as they face a wounded Bray side yet to pick up their first win of the season (kick off 7.45pm).

 

Last season Bray proved to be something of a bogey team for the Lonemoor Road men, this is something Derry will hope to put right after an indifferent start to the season.

 

Speaking to the club website, Shiels spoke of his sides desire to put on a show for their fans back at the Brandywell.

 

"The boys got a real lift from the atmosphere and occasion and I think you could see from their performance how they responded to that. Obviously we won't get carried away with the result because we have another big game on Friday.



 

“We go into the Bray match with our confidence restored and these young lads will be hoping for similar backing from our supporters again on Friday."

 

Although a number of new signings remain on the injury list, Shiels looks to have David Hopkirk available for selection on Friday night.

 

Both of Derry’s league fixtures next week against Dundalk and Cork have been postponed due to international call-ups (see here).



 

However Shiels hopes to keep the momentum by competing against neighbour Institute in the Billy Kee memorial cup next Friday night.

 

BRAY WANDERERS

The Seagulls made struggled to make a positive start to a season which many have earmarked to be a difficult one for the club.

 

While Dundalk were the hosts at Oriel Park in the opening round of fixtures with the sides playing out a goalless draw, to date that has been the only point Dave Mackey’s side have picked up. 

 

The Wicklow men make the long trip to the Brandywell in search of their first win of the season after four defeats including a 6-0 drubbing away at Shamrock Rovers.

 

On Monday night Bray hosted Sligo Rovers falling to a 2-1 loss; the only positive coming through Paul O’Conor who netted their first goal of the season.

 

Bray will travel to Derry with hope in the knowledge they overturned Derry on three occasions last seasons including a 5-0 win.

 

Referee: Damien McGraith

 

MATCH STATS

Even after only five games the two sides have three mutual opponents. Both sides were trounced by Shamrock Rovers and lost 2-1 against Sligo Rovers. Both have also faced Limerick who Derry beat 5-0 while Bray fell to a 1-0 loss against the same opponent.

 

Bray won all three of last year’s league meetings. As well as that 5-0 win at Maginn Park, the Seagulls claimed 3-2 wins in the other two games.

 

The last six league meetings between the sides have seen Bray claim three wins, Derry two with one draw. Meetings between the sides usually guarantee goals as those last six league meetings have brought 24 goals.

 

BETTING

Derry City 1/2; Bray Wanderers 5/1; Draw 3/1

 

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-0 Bray Wanderers

 

Derry City

Injured: Chris Turner, Armin Aganovic, Gavin Peers, John Cofie.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended:  None.

 

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