Longford Town -v- Bray Wanderers

• Gareth Penrose
• Sat, Sep 12 2009


Two teams struggling in their respective divisions, Bray Wanderers and Longford Town, meet on Saturday night in the FAI Cup Quarter Final at Flancare Park (kick-off 7:30pm). Longford Town are currently second from bottom of the First Division, whilst Bray are the bottom marker in the Premier.

In the previous round, Longford travelled to Terryland Park and defeated Galway United by a late Liam Lynch goal. Bray had the somewhat easier task as they saw past Tralee Dynamos by two goals to nil.

Last week Bray grabbed a vital and unexpected victory over league leaders Bohemians. Speaking to Extratime.ie during the week, Bray manager Eddie Gormley was clear on his priorities this season.

“I wouldn't disrespect the Cup, but the league is obviously the priority. We still want to do well in the Cup, but we would rather be in the Premier Division next season than winning a cup. It's a lot more rewarding to stay in the league but in saying that we'll be doing our utmost to try and win the cup.”

Despite last week’s confidence boosting win, Gormley is not underestimating Longford.

“Playing Longford isn't going to be easy. Any team who can beat Galway on their own patch has to be considered a force to be reckoned with. We'll take nothing for granted, we'll go up there playing the strongest squad possible and hopefully lady luck shines on us on the night.”

Bray Wanderers will be without central defender Chris Deans, who is suspended following four yellow cards and striker Paul Byrne whose long term knee injury sees him sidelined again. Otherwise Eddie Gormley has a full squad to pick from.

Longford Town will be without Neal McKenna after he got sent off in the cup game against Galway.

Extratime.ie Prediction: Bray to win out, just, by a single goal.