League Preview: Longford Town -v- Bray Wanderers

“De Town” will look to go three games out of three unbeaten at the start of their league campaign as they face Bray Wanderers on Saturday night at Bishopsgate. (Kick-off is at 7.30pm)

LONGFORD TOWN

After picking up a one nil win against Drogheda United last Friday Night thanks to Sam Verdon, Daire Doyle’s men will look to add another three points on the board.

There was only twenty one minutes gone on the clock when Longford broke the deadlock. Two of the four man defence for Drogheda hit the deck allowing Shane Elworthy to be played in but his low cut back wasn’t gathered by United’s shot-stopper David Odumosu which allowed Verdon to tap in from four yards out.

The Longford players must of had they’re head in their hands near the end as the home side had three big chances to squeeze an equalizer as a cut back from the left hand side found the unmarked Sean Brennan but a combination of blocks from goalkeeper Lee Steacy and Dylan Hand which were cleared off the line saved them for a while.

Drogheda weren’t finished yet though as the last kick of the game almost saw the equaliser arrive as Jake Hyland outpaced his man and cut it back, finding Chris Lyons but again Steacy stood strong to the test and made the secure save to seal the three points for Longford.

Their opening game of the season against Shamrock Rovers II was another positive as they wrapped up a 2-0 win with goals from Aodh Dervin and new boy Rob Manley.

In team news, Dean Byrne is out again injured with an ankle injury. 

BRAY WANDERERS

“The Seagulls” were flying high and mighty last Friday night as they picked up their first win of the season against Wexford.

Goals from Gary Shaw and Bray’s youngster Andy Moran were enough to earn the three points for Gary Cronin’s side.

Bray started off on the better foot as they attacked the goal early on with Shaw delivering an inviting ball but no-one was there to get a touch on it and Murphy gathered it comfortably.

However, minutes after there was a roar from the Bray faithful for a penalty kick when the pacy left back Dylan Barnett was taken down inside the area by Murphy but referee Alan Carey waved away the protests.

John Ross-Wilson had the best chance by far to put the home side in front on the 21st minute as the ball was played across the box from Ryan Graydon, Ross-Wilson received it, looked up and placed his shot but it just bended wide of the target.

Their early pressure did finally pay off though on the 28th minute as Graydon again played a delightful ball into Barnett who hit across the face of goal and Shaw got a flick onto it which was enough to take it past Murphy and give the home side the lead.

Wexford pushed on though early in the second half and should of really equalised as Karl Fitzsimons drove in a peach of cross which deflected off Killian Cantwell and dropped to Kaleem Strawbridge-Simon but he hit it right at Brian Maher which was enough to dispose of any danger.

The rest of the game was quite scrappy in the middle of the park with two or three bookings being dished out.

All hell broke loose though for Wexford in the 90th minute as Bray’s Andy Moran drove at the Wexford defence at speed along with Barnett in support who he laid the ball off to and he bet his man with pace and drove his shot on goal but Murphy saved and laid it back out to him which he hit again with power and Murphy denied him but the ball looped into the air and with quick thinking from Moran who ran in on the rebound to claim his first senior goal for the club

Gary Cronin will be delighted to welcome back defender Darragh Gibbons after he returns to the squad after illness. Luke Nolan is a doubt after picking up a knock in training.

MATCH STATS

Bray have the upper hand when it comes to the last twelve meetings as they have won five of them while there has been three draws and Longford have won four of the last twelve meetings.

BETTING

Longford Town 22/25; Draw 13/5; Bray Wanderers 3/1.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1-1 Bray Wanderers.

Longford Town

Injured:Dean Byrne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Luke Nolan.

Suspended: None.