League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Bray Wanderers

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town can move up to second place when they host Bray Wanderers on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Co Westmeath side are third in the table and just two points behind second placed UCD.

But their boss Dario Castelo is expecting a stiff test against the Seagulls after the Town defeated Treaty United on Monday.

“We came into this game after getting a very important result in a difficult game,” Castelo said.

“Everyone worked well together, and it was possible to get the three points.

“Friday, we have another extremely difficult game where we know we must get a result to continue this momentum.”

Athlone have a couple of injury concerns with Oisin Duffy, Ruben Candal and Noah Van Geenen ruled out. German Fuentes Rodriguez and Aaron Connolly are suspended.

BRAY WANDERERS

Ian Ryan will be without a host of key men for Bray Wanderers on Friday evening as he gets to grips with a debilitating injury crisis.

In-form striker Peter Grogan is the latest player to join captain Kilian Cantwell on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran, defender Cole Omorehiomwan and striker Ben Feeney continue to be ruled out. Winger Callum Thompson is also doubtful.

But despite their injury setbacks, Wanderers have won four of their last five league games and are now just three points off UCD in second.

Referee: Marc Lynch.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 2-1 Bray Wanderers

Athlone Town

Injured: Oisin Duffy, Ruben Candal, Noah van Geenen.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: German Fuentes Rodriguez, Aaron Connolly.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Kilian Cantwell, Peter Grogan, Jimmy Corcoran, Cole Omorehiomwan, Ben Feeney.

Doubtful: Callum Thompson.

Suspended: None.