Ian Ryan: 'It won't dictate or define what we do. We just dust ourselves down again.'

James Byrne reports from the Carlisle Grounds

Bray Wanderers boss Ian Ryan admitted that his side’s 2-1 loss to UCD won’t “dictate or define” how his side prepares, when he spoke to the media after Friday night’s game.

The Seagulls were looking to continue their strong pre-season form and gain a valuable victory over their promotion and local rivals on Friday night.

UCD were two goals to the good at the interval, and although they had been reduced to 10 men, they always looked in control of the game and held on for the win, despite a late fight back by Bray Wanderers.

When asked about how Bray’s good form in pre-season will help them bounce back from this defeat, Ryan said: “I just said to them inside there, pre-season is irrelevant really. It's when the lights come on on Friday night to perform.”

The former UCD man displayed his disappointment after the game but remained positive about his side overall having played in front of a big crowd on the opening night of the campaign.

“We had some brilliant individual performances throughout pre-season and then there's probably a bit of a dip, if we're honest, tonight.

“It's disappointing, but it's one game out of our season. It won't dictate or define what we do. We just dust ourselves down again.

“The club has done really well to get that many through the gates. We want to entertain them.”

Finally, Ryan discussed the Seagulls next fixture at Mounthawk. He stated that: “They’ve strengthened well and it’s going to be difficult for us to go down.”

The Wanderers will be looking to bounce back strongly from their opening day defeat to UCD, when they face Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park on Friday at 7.45pm.

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