League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Finn Harps

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BRAY WANDERERS 

Bray Wanderers host Finn Harps at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening knowing that a win would secure a playoff place (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Seagulls are five points clear of the Co Donegal side with a game more played.

But a win over Harps would put them out of reach and seal a first playoff appearance since 2021.

And Bray come into the game on the back of two encouraging draws in recent weeks against Cork City and UCD.

The latter was a 1-1 stalemate at the UCD Bowl with striker Cristian Magerusan on target for the Co Wicklow men.

As a result, they have drawn three of their last four fixtures against Wexford, Cork City and the Students. They have also won against Kerry at home in that run.

However, they will be without suspended Kieran Cruise on Friday night, while Evan Osam and Harry Groome are rated as doubtful for the game.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps head to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening knowing they must avoid defeat to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.



And the Co Donegal men - who are five points behind Bray Wanderers - will be without first choice goalkeepers Oisin Cooney and Tim Heimer.

Ireland under-19 Cooney is away on international duty with the Boys in Green this weekend, while Heimer has been injured since August.

Murphy’s young side will also be without the services of experienced midfielder David Cawley who is suspended. Conor Tourish is also likely to miss out having been absent in recent weeks.

There has been good news at Finn Park this week though, with the club offering teenager Darragh Coyle a professional deal despite his long-term injury.

Coyle, the brother of Shelbourne skipper Mark, made nine appearances in the First Division this season before his campaign was cut short after suffering a serious knee injury in a friendly with Ballinamallard in the summer.

He will remain at the club until the end of the 2026 season, following in the footsteps of fellow academy graduates Max Johnston and Kevin Jordan who penned similar deals last month.



Referee: Marc Lynch.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2-1 Finn Harps

 

Bray Wanderers 

Injured: None.

Doubtful:Evan Osam, Harry Groome.

Suspended:Kieran Cruise.

 

Finn Harps 

Injured: Tim Heimer, Darragh Coyle, Conor Tourish. 

Doubtful:None.

Unavailable:Oisin Cooney (international duty).

Suspended:David Cawley.

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