First Division Playoff Preview: UCD -v- Bray Wanderers

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UCD

UCD have it all to do if they are to advance to the next stage of the First Division playoff series on Monday evening (kick-off is at 5pm).

The Students trail the tie 2-0 heading into the second leg with Guillermo Almirall and Cristian Magerusan both scoring as the Seagulls seized the initiative in the first leg.

Though they are still in the tie and know an early goal could claw them back into the contest.

The Sky Blues reached the playoffs by virtue of an impressive second-placed league finish though did struggle towards the end of the league campaign.

They are winless in their last six games in all competitions since defeating Cobh Ramblers 2-0 last month.

But they have been hit by injuries with Sean Brennan, Ronan Finn and Ciaran Behan all notable absentees.

However, Finn and Behan have since returned to the fold amid Brennan’s continued spell out of the team.

Brennan may return to fitness should UCD reach the later rounds of the playoffs.

BRAY WANDERERS



Bray Wanderers first-team coach Paul Heffernan has called on his side to replicate their performance levels from Thursday’s first-leg to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

The Seagulls are in command of the tie and know they will face the winners of the clash between Wexford and Athlone Town should they go through.

But their trip to the UCD Bowl will pose them with a far stiffer challenge.

“We’re going to need everybody with us,” Heffernan said. 

“We’re going to have to give the same performance, same levels of effort and work rate from Thursday to give us a chance.”

Bray are likely to be without Zach Nolan for the game, with Evan Osam also a doubt.



Referee: Declan Toland.

 

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers are winless in their last four away games this season, losing twice and drawing two more. Their last triumph away came against Athlone Town in August when they won 1-0.

UCD are the lowest-scoring of any side in the First Division playoff series, netting just 47 times this term. Though only Cork City (23) conceded less than them (37).

The Students last defeated Bray by two goals or more in the First Division promotion playoff decider of 2021, when they won 2-0 at Dalymount Park. Colm Whelan (now at Derry City) and Paul Doyle (at Dundalk) both scored for the then-Andy Myler managed side that night. 

PREDICTION

UCD 2-0 Bray Wanderers (2-2 aggregate score, UCD AET)

 

UCD

Injured: Sean Brennan.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Zach Nolan, Evan Osam.

Suspended: None. 

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