League Preview: Waterford -v- Bray Wanderers

Waterford

The Blues got their First Division campaign of 2022 off to a flying start with a resounding 5-2 victory over Athlone Town last weekend. Having signed midway through last season, Phoenix Patterson and Junior Quitirna made a positive impression on the RSC faithful towards the latter end of the league and they were to the fore last weekend once again- each heavily involved in the goals. Quitirna found the net twice while Patterson assisted once and scored a free kick before setting up a late Louis Britton strike.

Britton, on loan from Bristol City, has scored prolifically throughout preseason and could be a key component as Ian Morris’ men aim for promotion back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking. Four seasons ago goalkeeper Brian Murphy was part of a Cardiff City side which ascended from the English Championship to the Premier League and his Waterford team mates will be hoping to draw on his experience for the 2022 season.

His retention at the club, along with the experienced Eddie Nolan and Anthony Wordsworth, brings much needed knowhow to a young squad- primarily a mixture of loanees from English football and young Academy products. Friday’s victory also saw Yassine En-Neyah, previously at Shelbourne with Morris, involved in a couple of goals from the left side of the park.

Morris, himself, speaking to his club’s media during the week  praised the opening week’s display both on and off the field.  

“Last week proved a good start in Athlone. I was delighted with the way in which we got forward and we scored some really good goals. Of course, I was disappointed with the goals we conceded but we have worked on some of that this week in training and we’re looking forward to Friday night against Bray. They lost last week so we know they'll be up for this game.

“We’re working day to day to build ourselves and give us the best possible chance of having a good season. Every time we pull on the shirt we will bring pride, passion and excitement to our performances.

“The support last week in Athlone was phenomenal, and to get 600/700 fans at preseason games has been brilliant. It’s a massive boost to the players, they thrive off that support and we know we must perform on the pitch to give the fans something to shout about. We need the fans to drive us on every week and to create an electric atmosphere.”

Bray Wanderers

In direct contrast to their hosts tonight, Bray Wanderers suffered a heavy defeat on the opening night of the season, going down 6-0 to a Dylan McGlade inspired Cork City side. The Seagulls have undergone much transformation off the field during the close season with a new badge, merger with Cabinteely and the appointment of the experienced Pat Devlin as manager.

Devlin’s squads tend to be heavily populated and this term appears to be no different, the Cabinteely connection apparent with many of the signings having turned out for the Stradbrook outfit last season. Having a large playing panel may mean that it could take a few games for Wanderers to find their best starting selection. However, on the back of last weekend’s result, an improved scoreline is a must this weekend.

Bray have experience across the squad and the return of Kevin Knight and Conor Clifford to the fold following suspension last week should help bolster the team. With the departures of high profile players such as Brian Maher and Brandon Kavanagh to Derry City, Dylan Barnett and Darren Craven to Longford Town and Gary Shaw, the Wicklow outfit will be relying on big performances from the returning Stephen McGuinness, Hugh Douglas and Kieran Marty Waters as well as newcomers to the Carlisle Grounds Kurtis Byrne and Rob Manley to achieve a successful season, starting this weekend.

Referee: Mark Moynihan

MATCH STATS

The last time the two sides met in the league was September 2018 with Waterford winning 2-0 at the RSC. Sander Puri and Noel Hunt on the scoresheet for the Blues.

Waterford have kept a clean sheet on the last three occasions they have played Bray Wanderers.

Bray Wanderers forward Kurtis Byrne spent the second half of the 2020 season playing with Waterford and, while playing for Athlone, scored in the 2021 season against both Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely.

PREDICTION:

Waterford 3- 1 Bray Wanderers

Waterford

Injured: Killian Cantwell

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None 

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None