Bray Wanderers -v- Shelbourne

BRAY WANDERERS

Last season the Seagulls ended up relatively comfortably clear of relegation, with five points the difference between them and Dundalk in the promotion/relegation playoff at season’s end. This season, a changed Bray side will aim to beat the drop again.
 

Matches between Wanderers and Friday night’s opponents Shelbourne were tight affairs last season, with Bray only coming away with a win from one of their five meetings in 2012. Director of Football Pat Devlin says that he is looking forward to “doing battle with an old enemy” again.

Both sides have players who will be familiar to both sets of supporters, but Jason Byrne in particular is sure to be close to most fans’ thoughts. The striker scored 83 goals in his 122 appearances for the Reds during his three-year stint in Drumcondra, and will look to roll back the years once more tomorrow night for Bray.

The Seagulls have a full squad to choose from, with new signings Eoin Hyland, Conor Earley, Paul Malone and Ismael Akinade all included. The marquee addition in the transfer window, Gary Dempsey, should feature after a season with Waterford United.

Bray have found encouraging form in pre-season, with last week’s wins over Longford Town and Waterford United boding well for the coming season. 

 

SHELBOURNE

Manager Alan Mathews has set out Shelbourne’s ambition for the season ahead of the first match of the season- “ending the season with a higher league placing than last year – and if things went well, a top four position”

Given last year’s eighth-placed finish and the widespread personnel changes at Tolka Park, their hopes and expectations for the 2013 season are far from certain though. Many expect Shels to flirt with the lower half of the Premier Division again, meaning tomorrow night’s fixture could end up being an important one. 

If Shels are to have a successful season, Mathews believes that discipline is key. “If we are to achieve our targets for this season,” he said, “we will have to cut down on the number of suspensions and hope that we get through with the minimum of injuries.”

Poor discipline means the Reds will play Bray Wanderers tomorrow without Pat Flynn, while Glen Cronin will have to pass a late fitness test if he is to play. Amongst the many new Shels signings, Adam Hanlon could face the club he left in the summer if the winger plays. 

Pre-season was fairly positive for the Drumcondra side, with three wins and three draws - including last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton. 

 

MATCH STATS

None of the five matches involving these two sides last season were settled by more than a one goal margin.  

If Jason Byrne was to score on Friday night, it would be the sixth consecutive League of Ireland season he has scored in.  It would also push him closer to Brendan Bradley’s record of 235 league goals (Byrne has 193). 

Friday marks the start of Gary Dempsey’s third stint with Bray Wanderers, having previously played for the Seagulls from 2000-01 and 2010-11.

 

BETTING
Bray Wanderers 14/8, Draw 11/5, Shelbourne 11/8.

PREDICTION
1-1.

Bray Wanderers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None. 
Suspended: None. 

 

Shelbourne
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Glen Cronin. 
Suspended: Pat Flynn.