League Preview: Treaty United -v- Bray Wanderers

TREATY UNITED

Beaten FAI Cup semi-finalists Treaty United begin their First Division campaign on Friday with a home clash against Bray Wanderers (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Tommy Barrett’s side impressed last season and coasted into the play-offs at the expense of closest challengers Wexford.

And they are now facing former Wexford boss Ian Ryan in their season opener at the Market’s Field.

The Limerick side have added suitably to their ranks during the off-season with Andy Spain, Shane Hallahan and former Bray Wanderers star Colin Kelly all committing to the cause.

But they have lost Jack Brady, Callum McNamara and Matt Keane – three stalwarts from their squad last season.

However, they will be hoping that they can get their season up and running with an opening night win against Bray.

BRAY WANDERERS

After a dismal end to last season, Bray Wanderers will be hoping that new head coach Ian Ryan can hit the ground running as chief.

Ryan impressed while in charge of Wexford during the last 18-months and will be eyeing a winning start for the Seagulls.

He said: “It’s a tough opener for us, make no doubt about it. Treaty have done well over the past two years, making the top-five each time. They are a hard team to break down.

“They’ve one of the top goal scorers in the league in Enda Curran. So, it is going to be really difficult.

“But everybody on their day can beat each other in this Division. We’ll go there with plenty of hope.

“We have got good belief in the squad. We know what we are capable of and what we can do. We will go there with a bit of plan.

“It’s about giving the players a bit of a platform to showcase what they are about. Individually, we have some really talented players.”

Bray will be without Darren Craven and Dave Webster for their trip to the banks of the Shannon.

Referee: David Connolly.

MATCH ODDS

Treaty United 23/20; Draw 21/10; Bray Wanderers 21/10

PREDICTION

Treaty United 0 - 1 Bray Wanderers

Treaty United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Dave Webster, Darren Craven.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.