Cork City vs Bray Wanderers

Cork City have had a turbulent week off the field of play, and no doubt will be delighted to get back to action on the pitch as they welcome Bray Wanderers to Turner’s Cross this Friday (kick-off 19:45).

Since their last outing, Cork has seen Kieran McCarthy appointed Examiner at the club whilst Talismanic striker Dave Mooney has departed to Reading for an undisclosed sum. Messages of support have come from RTE DJ and Failte Towers winner John Creedon to Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley. But at 19:45 on Friday, it will be back to the football.

This is the final league meeting between the two sides this season, with City holding the upper hand having beaten Eddie Gormley’s men by three goals to nil at the Carlisle Grounds in May, though the Wicklow side did emerge from Turner’s Cross with a point after a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season.

City boss Alan Mathews told CorkCityFC.ie that the only thing he and his squad can do is to focus on the task at hand: “Unfortunately what is happening is completely outside of our control, so all we can do is our work on the pitch and ensure that our good form of late is maintained. It is an unsettling and uncertain time for all concerned, but it is important at this time is that the wonderful support we have received all season continues on Friday.”

In team news, Dave Mooney has departed, however John O’Flynn made a return to training during the week following what looked to be a nasty ankle injury sustained against Shamrock Rovers.

Speaking after training, Mathews said: “John has commenced training this week, which we did not expect and there is a chance that he will be available on Friday. This is no small part down to thoroughly professional work of our physio Alex Mason, and the hard work put in by John himself.”

Bray Wanderers will be buoyed by their early week win against Dundalk in the FAI Ford Cup. Club Captain Alan Cawley will be missing as he serves a second match ban following his sending off against Cobh. Central defender Kevin Doherty who missed the cup clash is still a major doubt as his dead leg injury is slow to respond to treatment. Ronan Ivory who has been absent for the last three weeks with a pelvic problem is also a major doubt. Otherwise Bray will work off the same panel that was on duty in Dundalk on Monday night.

Speaking ahead of the game Bray Assistant Manager Keith Long said," We know we will be up against it going down there but if we can carry Monday's performance into this game we will make it as difficult as possible for them". He added “we will be looking to get something out of the game".

Cork City are very clear favourites with the bookies at a price of 4-11, whilst those who fancy some long odds come put a few quid on Bray at 15-2. A draw is available at 11-4.

Extratime.ie Prediction: The Rebel Army will be fired up for this clash after a week of turmoil off the pitch. Bray won the Cup game but their performance was not reflecting the score line. We predict that Cork will give their fans something to cheer this week with a 2-0 win over the Seagulls.