Bray Wanderers -v- Cork City

BRAY WANDERERS

Pat Devlin will be hoping that his side improve their performance levels after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to First Division Limerick FC in the EA Sports Cup on Monday night.

Speaking after the game Devlin said, “We were hoping for a run in the Competition but when you defend like we did early on on Monday night you will get punished and that is exactly what happened, and we found ourselves 3-0 down inside 21 minutes. It was always going to be difficult from there”.

Defender Pierce Sweeney is Bray’s only worry ahead of the Cork game. He has missed the last two games with illness and he will not be assessed until immediately prior to the Cork game. With an otherwise fully fit squad to chose from Devlin was cautiously optimistic about the visit of the Leesiders.

“We are looking forward to Cork's visit and we will be hoping to eliminate the silly mistakes and at the Carlisle we will  be hoping to get something from the game".

One plus point for the Seagulls is the form of veteran striker Jason Byrne who was awarded the Soccer Writers Player of the Month award for May. Byrne has hit 11 of Bray’s 23 league goals this year, adding another from the penalty spot in the Cup defeat to Limerick.

CORK CITY

It’s a game that has been billed as being between two sides that can’t defend, which may be a bit harsh, but if it’s goals you want, get yourself down to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night!

Tommy Dunne’s men have kept just two clean sheets in the league this season, one of which was against Monaghan United, a result since expunged from the records. Fortunately for them, the rebels have been balancing the books with some impressive attacking displays of late.

Having scored only four times in the six games prior to the hammering of Monaghan, City have failed to find the net only twice since then, scoring eight in their last four league outings.

In the build up to the game Dunne recognised the goal-scoring threat of Jason Byrne, who poached an equaliser when the sides drew 1-1 at Turner’s Cross earlier in the season. “He has been one of the standout performers this season”, said Dunne, “and has a fantastic record. We know it is going to be tough. In fairness to Bray they are playing some good football and they are a threat to any team in the division.”

Shane O’Connor and Stephen Mulcahy will miss the game but several players are back in contention after lengthy absences. Neal Horgan played against Derry last weekend and should be available, despite picking up a minor calf strain during the week. Defender Kevin Murray is also back from injury while Dan Murray may also be fit after recovering from a groin injury. John Dunleavy is another who returns, having missed the Derry game through suspension, while new signing Graham McCarthy is also available.

Referee: Damien Hancock.

MATCH STATS

In the league, Bray are four matches unbeaten at the Carlisle Grounds, while Cork City are four matches unbeaten away from home.

Cork have drawn four of their last five league games, and at no point in any of those four games were they ever ahead.

Brays last four league games have produced 19 goals, nine for and ten against.

BETTING

Bray 9/5; Draw 23/10; Cork 11/8.

PREDICTION

Another draw for Cork, their fourth on the spin, 2-2.

Bray Injury News: Doubt - Pierce Sweeney.

Bray Suspension News: None.

Cork Injury News: Out - Stephen Mulcahy, Shane O’Connor. Doubt - Dan Murray, Neal Horgan.

Cork Suspension News: None.