Bray Wanderers vs Finn Harps

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Thu, Sep 25 2008




Ninth place Bray Wanderers host tenth place Finn Harps in Friday night's eircom League Premier Division match at the Carlisle Grounds.

Bray have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash. Ronan Ivory remains the solitary absentee. He is ruled out with a pelvic injury.

Looking forward to the match, Bray manager Eddie Gormley said: "I was happy with last Friday's performance. We showed character to bounce back after the disappointment against Galway United. I expect a performance of the same character, with hard-working, attacking football on Friday.

Finn harps go into this fixture with three players definitely out. Jonathan Minnock is suspended, while Conor Gethins and Cornelius Gallagher miss out through injury. Stuart Malcolm (groin) and Davy Byrne (thigh) will have to undergo fitness tests before being cleared. Harps will have Neil McCafferty back in the side after he served his one-match ban.

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s game, Harps boss Paul Hegarty said: “Going away from home does not worry us all that much. The Carlisle Grounds has a good playing surface and is a good ground to play on so that should not be a problem. It's a matter of being patient and with a bit of luck the goals will come and no better night to start than on Friday night against Bray. It won't be easy but it is a game I feel we can get something out of.”

Kick-off is at 7.45pm. The referee will be Mark Gough.

Extratime.ie prediction: Both sides will fancy their chances in this match. Bray have been playing poor of late but Harps have the second-worse away record in the league. In the end, motivation could play a factor. Bray are twelve points clear of the relegation zone, whereas Harps are only four clear. This should spur them on to win 2-1.