Derry City -v- Bray Wanderers

DERRY CITY

Declan Devine will be eager to build on Derry’s 4-0 hammering of Shelbourne when Bray Wanderers come to the Brandywell.

Since losing to Drogheda in the Setanta Cup, the Candystripes have gone four games unbeaten. In that time they have registered 10 points and 12 goals. The run has seen Derry move to second in the Premier Division. 

Speaking ahead of the game to Derrycityfc.net Declan Devine noted, “The result on Friday was very well deserved one and we can see that it has helped build momentum in the squad, we had a light training session this morning and the lads were all very positive and very confident. For me the main positives since the opening game have been the fact we have now had 3 clean sheets and created a lot of chances in front of goal.”

“Having said that we will need to be very vigilant as this Bray side are a very good footballing side as their comeback with ten men on Friday evening proves. The one benefit for us will be that fact with such a short turn around in fixtures we are at home for the second time, where as Bray have had to play 45 minutes with ten men and must travel up here for the game.”

Derry saw ex-Bray player Sean Houston and Rory Patterson hobble off on Friday and their condition will be monitored as to whether they will be fit to make the starting eleven.  Stewart Greacen remains on the long term injury list although the big Scot is close to making a return to training.  Another ex-Wanderer, Paddy Kavanagh may be involved in the panel as he has now completed his recovery from a hamstring strain.

BRAY WANDERERS

The Seagulls are far from flying high in the Premier Division this season, it may be early days, but all signs at the Carlisle Grounds point to a potential relegation battle.

Pat Devlin’s side have failed to take a single point from their two road-trips this season. The Seagulls played out a highly entertaining 2-2 draw with UCD on Friday, Jason Byrne opened the scoring while John Mulroy struck with ten minutes remaining to secure a share of the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Pat Devlin was disappointed not to have won the game, despite being down to ten-men.

"In many ways it was good to get the point after being reduced to ten men. We were unlucky with the sending off but it's now a case of up and at it again," said the director of football.

Goalkeeper Darren Quigley who was sent-off on against UCD at the Carlisle Grounds will miss Bray's trip north. Also missing will be central defender Adam Mitchell whose knee injury is slow to respond to treatment. Pat Devlin will work off the same squad he had for Friday's game against U C D with the addition of Shane O'Connor who has recovered from his hamstring injury. 

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Bray have recorded just one win at the Brandywell in 28 meetings between the sides in all competitions. That win was in 2002 when Mick Doohan and Jason Byrne scored in 2-1 Premier Division victory

Derry are unbeaten in last eleven League meetings between the sides

BETTING

Derry City 1/2, Draw 16/5, Bray Wanderers 13/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City to record another comprehensive win, 3-1

Derry City

Injured:  Stewart Greacen.
Doubtful: Sean Houston, Rory Patterson.
Suspended: None

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Adam Mitchell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Darren Quigley.