League Preview: Waterford -v- Bray Wanderers

WATERFORD

Waterford are back in home league action after six weeks as they host Bray Wanderers at the RSC on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Blues come into the game on a disappointing note after slipping out of the FAI Cup from a tough UCD side, who beat the Blues 2-1 last Friday night.

The Blues' last league game saw them lose 3-0 to St.Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park thanks to second-half goals from Achille Campion and Mick Leahy.

The Blues have lost just twice at the RSC in 14 league games, however, and manager Alan Reynolds will hope for a welcome change in their fortunes.

Waterford have faced the Seagulls three times this season, winning once and drawing twice. The first meeting between the two sides was a 3-0 home win for Waterford.

The second and third games both ended in stalemate. The second ending 2-2 and the third 0-0 in the most recent clash.

“The defeat last week in UCD was disappointing," Reynolds to the club's media team ahead of the game.

"Credit to UCD they took their chances but we felt it was one of our poorest performances and it was very frustrating.

"We’ve spoken about it as a group and we’re all sticking together and looking forward to Friday.

“We haven’t had a home game for six weeks so it’ll be nice to be back at the RSC and to get a big home crowd behind us.

“The table might show a big gap between us and Bray but they’ve given us two really tough games away from home and they aren’t going to make life easy for us.

"We need to raise our game in front of our home crowd and that’s what we’ll look to do.”

Cory Galvin (knee), Derek Daly (groin) will miss the game, but John Martin (ankle) is once again available for selection.

Noel Hunt (groin) is rated 50/50 but Courtney Duffus misses out with an on-going groin problem. Bastien Hery is suspended, but Sander Puri returns from international duty.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray have lost their last three games respectively to tough opposition such as Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Finn Harps.

Manager Gary Cronin will be looking to bounce back from them results at the RSC on Friday night, as they have lost once and drawn twice to the Midlands side this season.

Bray currently lie bottom of the table on 15 points, nine points adrift of Limerick.

Hugh Douglas and Andrew McGovern are making steady progress from long-term injuries but won't feature again this season.

 

Referee: Neil Doyle

 

BETTING

Waterford 2/11; Draw 6/1; Bray Wanderers 11/1

PREDICTION

Waterford 1 - 1 Bray Wanderers

 

Waterford

Injured: Cory Galvin (knee), Derek Daly (groin).

Doubtful: Noel Hunt (groin), Courtney Duffus (groin).

Suspended: Bastien Héry.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Hugh Douglas, Andrew McGovern.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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