Bray Wanderers -v- Dundalk
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BRAY WANDERERS
It’s ninth against tenth as Bray Wanderers welcome Dundalk to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening for a key clash at the foot of the Airtricity League. The Seagulls are without a win in seven games and despite some encouraging draws in recent weeks against the likes of Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, Bray will want to pull away from Friday’s opponents with just their third league win on front of their own fans.
Director of Football Pat Devlin has no new injury worries following last week’s draw in Dalymount Park and after bringing in a number of players during the transfer window, the Seasiders have a strong squad to pick from for the visit of the Lilywhites.
“It was a good away point under the circumstances.” Devlin said after last week’s stalemate with Bohemians and looking ahead to Friday’s clash, he admits it’s a must win for his side; “We need to register a home win, but it won’t be easy, Dundalk have improved and it’s a big game for us”.
John Mulroy and Kieran Marty Waters are available after serving their respective bans while new signing Dean Marshall will be pushing for a starting berth on the wing.
DUNDALK
Since taking charge of the struggling County Louth club back in July, caretaker boss Darius Kieran has seen his young side take points off Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Cork City but the Lilywhites haven’t recorded a victory in nine games, a run which sees them still embroiled in a relegation dog fight with UCD.
However, if Dundalk were to pick up an away win on Friday evening then they will pull clear of the Students and close the gap on Bray who lie just three points ahead of them. On Kierans’ only away trip in charge, a fortnight ago, his side fell to a 2-1 defeat by Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
With just one win in 13 league games, Kierans knows how vital it is to get a victory on the board soon and speaking ahead of his sides’ trip to Wicklow, the Dundalk boss feels his players have a run of form in them to pull away from the foot of the table.
“We’re unbeaten at home. Our home form was poor before now. With a bit of luck, we could have won one or two of them, but the character and commitment I’m getting from the boys is great. We’ve had a lot of injuries. When we get those boys back and get our strongest team on the pitch, I think it’s only a matter of time before we start winning games.” He said.
Dundalk will be once again without experienced defender Liam Burns with a dead leg but John Mountney and Eoghan Osbourne are both available.
Commenting on the game, the former Drogheda boss claims his side are going there for the win.
“Bray will be a difficult test. The Carlisle Grounds is always a hard place to go and pick up three points. It’s a match that offers us a chance to go level with Bray and we’ll be going there to win the game, but we know the task facing us.”
Referee: Derek Tomney.
MATCH STATS
This will be the 53rd meeting of the clubs in all competitions dating back to their first encounter in the League Cup in September 1985.
Bray Wanderers have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches against Dundalk in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Bray Wanderers's last 9 home games in Airtricity League.
BETTING
Bray 10/11; Draw 12/5; Dundalk 11/4.
PREDICTION
Both sides will be going for the victory so an open game could ensue with plenty of goals but Bray should have enough firepower to pick up a vital three points. 3-2 Bray
Bray Wanderers Injury News: None.
Bray Wanderers Suspension News: None.
Dundalk Injury News: Liam Burns (Dead leg).
Dundalk Suspension News: None.
