League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- UCD

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray welcome UCD to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night for the first time in a league fixture since 2014 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Seagulls will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing 3-1 away at Drogheda United last Friday night.

Wanderers found themselves 2-0 down after 13 minutes following quick-fire strikes from Mark Doyle and James Clarke.

Sean McEvoy, whose performance was a positive for Gary Cronin’s side on the night, pulled a goal back after 53 minutes.

It wasn’t to be for the Seasiders, however, and Stephen Meaney’s strike three minutes from time ensured Bray returned home pointless.

Previous to last Friday’s defeat, Cronin’s men went four games in all competitions without a loss, seeing off Wexford in both league and cup action.

They won away to promotion favourites Longford amid a run that also included a scoreless home draw with Cobh Ramblers.

Gary Shaw is a doubt for the game through injury and will face a late fitness test. Other than that Gary Cronin has a full squad to pick from.

UCD

UCD travel to Wicklow on Friday night looking to build on last week’s win at home to Shamrock Rovers II.

Colm Whelan and Jack Keaney scored inside the opening 15 minutes at the UCD Bowl to put the Students in a commanding position.

Thomas Oluwa pulled one back for the Hoops just two minutes into the second half.

However, Liam Kerrigan restored the home side’s two goal cushion just five minutes later and Andy Myler’s team went onto record a 3-1 victory.

Post lockdown UCD also managed a home stalemate with Longford. While before the break, they recorded a win over Cobh, a draw with Wexford and a 5-1 defeat away to Drogheda.

UCD have, at the time of writing, not supplied team news.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

MATCH STATS

UCD last won a league match away from the UCD Bowl in August of 2018 when a Conor Davis hat-trick gave them a 3-0 win against Drogheda United at United Park.

The last meeting between the sides came in 2016 when UCD beat the Seagulls 4-3 in an FAI Cup second round tie.

UCD have conceded six goals away from home so far this season. Only Friday night’s opponents Bray, and Athlone (7) have conceded more.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 4/7; Draw 11/4; UCD 7/2.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1 – 2 UCD

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Gary Shaw.

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.