League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Bray Wanderers

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely are back in business in the First Division on Friday night as they entertain Bray Wanderers at Stradbrook. Kick-off in the ‘East Coast Derby’ is 7.45pm.

Cabinteely won’t sit back against the Wicklow side as they have an abundance of talent from the likes of Kieran Marty Waters and the pacey Robert Manley who they signed from Drogheda this season.

In defence they have a strong back line with Jack Tuite, Daniel Blackbyrne and Conor Keeley, all of whom played last year for Cabinteely. They also have re-signed shot stopper Stephen McGuinness.

The midfield consists of five teens so Jack Watson will be on hand to provide experience in the middle of the park.

 “It’s a great game for the area. It’s a local derby. Hopefully there will be a big crowd. It should be a good game,” Assistant Manager Eddie Gormley said.

“There won’t be any easy games in this league. It’s about progression. We’re still a young club. We’ve improved each year in our four seasons so far. Obviously, you want to be competitive and try to win the league.

“At the same time, you must have a bit of reality check. We have the smallest budget in the league. That shouldn’t be an excuse though to try and achieve great things.”

“We have some fabulous players. Some very, very good young players. Plus, a couple of experienced players dotted in between.

Gormley also stressed “In the First Division, it’s all about momentum. If you can build up a head of steam, anything is possible. We’ll go in – like we do every season – to achieve the best we possibly can. We’re realistic at what we can achieve. But at the end of the day, you have to go out and do what’s best as a management team; as a club and the players have to go out and try and improve.”

BRAY WANDERERS

Friday night will see Bray Wanderers return to the First Division after a 15 year absence.

The Seagulls have been busy in the close season bringing in players such as the experienced Paul Keegan from Waterford and the skilful midfielder Dylan McGlade from Longford Town, who was named in the League’s team of the year last year.

Defenders Hugh Douglas and Sean Heaney have both re-signed for the club.

Having recently swapped Cabo for Bray, Joe Doyle didn’t have to wait long for a reunion with this former club.

Referee: Tomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely’s Director of Football Pat Devlin and Assistant manager Eddie Gormley have both managed the Seagulls.

Cabo are looking for their first league win on their home turf since July 2018.

Bray Wanderers have lost their last 17 away league games.  

BETTING

Cabinteely 11/4; Draw 12/5; Bray Wanderers 4/5;

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1-1 Bray Wanderers

Cabinteely

Injured: None 

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None