League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Athlone Town
Bray Wanderers Head Coach Ian Ryan Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers head coach Ian Ryan has called on his side to improve ahead of tonight’s crunch First Division showdown with Athlone Town (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Seagulls slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Finn Harps on Easter Monday to leave them eighth in the table and without a win in six.
Their only victory of the season came against Kerry in February.
“It was a good display in the first half but I am raging,” he said after Monday’s loss. “I’m really hurt and angry. The players need to feel that.
“The first half was very good but it’s not worth anything because we are soft in the crucial moments and are an easy touch…
“We have to put things right against Athlone. Talk is cheap and it’s not worth anything if I or the players speak. It’s all tokens and players need to stand up.
“We need leaders and men. Hopefully we will see it on Friday.”
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town boss Dario Castelo has backed his players to rise to the challenge of a busy fixture schedule when they take on Bray.
The Co Westmeath side will be playing their third game in seven days on Friday night having lost against Cork City and defeated Treaty United last weekend.
“Our team usually gives us a good answer when we head into a lot of games,” he said.
“We work very well in terms of methodology
“The players are almost the same as the last game. They gave us the perfect answer with the number of games we have had.”
Referee: Chris Sheehan.
MATCH STATS
Bray Wanderers are winless at home in their previous five games – with their most recent victory at the Carlisle Grounds arriving on the 29th of September last year against Cobh Ramblers.
Athlone Town however have also endured a wretched away league record, with their last win on the road coming on September 1st last year against Waterford.
The Seagulls have defeated Athlone in four of their last five encounters at the Carlisle Grounds. Athlone’s last win at the Quinsborough Road venue came in September 2021 under former boss Paul Doolin.
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 2-1 Athlone Town
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Ben Feeney, Cristian Magerusan, Jimmy Corcoran, Callum Thompson, Darren Craven.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Max Murphy.
Athlone Town
Injured: Jamar Campion Hinds, Noah van Geenen.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
