League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Bray Wanderers

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ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town welcome Bray Wanderers to the Athlone Town Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Midlanders come into the fixture on the back of a derby victory over Longford Town on Friday night, courtesy of a lone Franz Pierrot strike.

The Haitian has netted thirteen goals in his sixteen league games this season- Kerry and Bray Wanderers the only two clubs he hasn’t found the net against so far.

The three points against De Town were not without cost as goalkeeper Vlad Velikin saw red.

Former Bray Wanderers netminder Enda Minogue is poised to replace him and return to the starting lineup - where he has been for most of the campaign to date.

The last time the two sides met, at the Carlisle Grounds in April, the home side took all three points courtesy of a Cole Omorehiomwan.

The former Shamrock Rovers Academy defender has scored 5 goals in his maiden season with Bray and will be a threat from set pieces on Monday evening

BRAY WANDERERS        

Having drawn with Galway United at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night, the Seagulls travel to the midlands unbeaten in their last five games.



Ian Ryan’s team lie third in the table, however a defeat to their hosts on Monday night would see them leapfrogged, indeed they could drop to fifth if Cobh Ramblers defeat Longford Town.

The Wicklow outfit have been beset by injuries during the season, influential midfielder Conor Crowley has recently returned to the action after a period on the sidelines while experienced defender Dave Webster played his first 90 minutes of the season on Friday after his long term knee injury.

Darren Craven too, suffered a nasty injury in the middle of the 2022 season while at Longford Town and is starting to establish himself in the starting lineup.

Full back Len O’Sullivan played 89 minutes on Friday night, his longest outing for the club since completing the 90 minutes against Treaty United on the opening night of the season. Jake Walker, however, hasn’t made an appearance since April.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

PREDICTION



Athlone Town 1-2 Bray Wanderers

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Vlad Velikin, Valeria Dolia

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Jake Walker, Guillermo Almirall.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Ger Shortt

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