First Division Playoff Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- UCD

Ben Feeney in action for Bray Wanderers

Ben Feeney in action for Bray Wanderers Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers host local rivals UCD at the Carlisle Grounds on Thursday evening in the first-leg of their promotion playoff clash (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

A bumper crowd is expected at the Quinsborough Road venue for the tie after the Seagulls reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021 just last week.

And they will fancy their chances of progression having lost just once in their previous six league outings.

The defeat came last Friday as a much-changed but battling Bray lost 2-0 away to Cobh Ramblers with a squad shorn of many first-team regulars. 

Though the aim of securing a playoff berth was secure by then so the result was immaterial.

“I think we need to for the club,” Head of Football Pat Devlin said on the importance of the playoffs for Bray last week. 

“We need to get into the play-offs for the club. Not for me, not for the players but for the club. To develop the club and to move the club along. We're developing the club - not just a team. 

“It's about the academy, it's about the volunteers, it's about the fans - so for that; they deserve that, and I hope we can get there. If we're fortunate enough to get there and then we win that; I think we could see a bit of a buzz back here again.”

UCD 



Having come second in the First Division this season, UCD will be favourites to advance in this two-legged affair against Bray Wanderers.

And boss Willie O’Connor will be hopeful that his side can deliver with midfielders Adam Verdon and Ronan Finn both returning from suspension in midfield.

They will remain without Sean Brennan though via injury, with Ciaran Behan nearing a return to full fitness.

The Students are also unbeaten against Bray this season, winning twice and drawing twice against their N11 rivals.

They also come into the game having drawn their final league game of the season against Longford Town last Friday night.

“It has been quite a good season,” O’Connor said. “We've got a while to go yet but we are happy with such a young squad to finish second.



“That's an achievement on its own. But that's done and it’s full focus for the playoffs. In the last six or seven games, we've probably had six or seven players out for each game.”

Referee:Mark Houlihan.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1-2 UCD

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None. 

 

UCD

Injured: Sean Brennan.

Doubtful:Ciaran Behan.

Suspended:None.

About Andrew Dempsey

View Full Profile