League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Wexford

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers host Wexford FC this Friday at 7.45pm as both sides battle at the bottom of the table, hoping to find their feet in their 2024 league campaign.

Off the back of a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Cork City in Turners Cross last week, the Seagulls are back on home soil on Friday where they host Wexford FC in what is the 600^th home game in the League of Ireland for Bray in the Carlisle Grounds.

Bray, who haven't played in the Wicklow venue since the beginning of their campaign in February, will host Wexford on home territory for the first time in over a month on Friday. 

This is the first of three games that will take place in the Carlisle Grounds over the next 10 days as they prepare to host Cobh Ramblers and Longford Town in the coming days.

Speaking with Braywanderersfc.ie, first team head coach Ian Ryan revealed: “We haven’t been at home in what seems a long time” ahead of Friday night's fixture.

“We had the first game of the season and haven’t been back since. We’ve had some very difficult away games since then. We now get a chance to put a few home games together.”

Currently sat just one point ahead of Wexford in 7^th place in the first division table, Ryan said: “First – we focus on Wexford. They to me, have ambitions to go win the league. It’s a really difficult game for us. But it’s one that we relish as well.”

With one win, one draw and two losses to their name this season, Ryan spoke about injuries and the difficulties Wanderers are facing so early in the season. 

“Injuries happen. It’s part of football. We had a couple last week. And obviously Griff couldn’t start the game. Cole and Kilian had to come off. So, it gives somebody else an opportunity to go and play” stated Ryan.

“The fixtures from here on in are mounting up. Over the next five weeks, we have eight games. It’s important we manage the bodies. As much as we’d love everybody to be fit for Friday, we have to look at the bigger picture. And make sure we have as people fit for that five-week period.”

WEXFORD

With an underwhelming start to their 2024 league campaign, Wexford have lost two of their three opening games while salvaging a 2-1 victory over UCD in Belfield early this month.

Venturing north, Wexford will hope to get back to winning ways this Friday night away to Bray Wanderers.

Wexford put on a fine display in the first half of their encounter with Finn Harps last week. However, despite their early advantage, they were left ruing missed opportunities as Finn Harps clinched a dramatic late winner. 

The match could have taken a different turn altogether if Mikie Rowe's strike had found the back of the net instead of hitting the post. It's a moment that leaves one contemplating what could have been for Wexford, had luck been on their side.

However, the response from the management and squad after the game was unanimous in the post-game interviews –uninterested in excuses or ‘what could have beens’. 

They will arrive no doubt at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night with three points in mind.

Referee: Mark Moynihan

Prediction: Bray Wanderers 1-2 Wexford

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Darren Craven, Killian Cantwell, 

Doubtful: Cole Omorehiomwan, Ben Feeney, Shane Griffin, 

Suspended: None

Wexford FC

Injured: None

Doubtful: Suspended

Suspended: None