Bray Wanderers -v- Derry City

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Thu, Apr 16 2009


Derry City will return to the top of the Premier Division if they beat Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

While the Seagulls are unbeaten at home, they haven't had as much luck away from home and they are currently in ninth place with seven points after their 1-1 draw with Dundalk last Friday. The Candystripes had an unbeaten start to the season until Sligo Rovers defeated them 2-1 last Friday at the Brandywell.

Wanderers boss Eddie Gormley is pleased with his side’s recent efforts, saying: “Once again last Friday, we had a good performance from the team, the ball didn’t bounce our way, we hit the woodwork four times. We will have to be more clinical in front of goal then we will start winning games. I have been pleased with our performances in the seven games so far, we have matched or bettered the sides we played.” Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, he added: “Derry will be a different proposition. The next two games will be the most difficult to date and we will have to be at our very best. Rest assured, we will go out and give it a go.”

Derry's assistant manager Alan Reynolds believes the Candystripes can recover: "We have to bounce back from the disappointment of Friday's defeat to Sligo Rovers. There is no doubt that Bray will provide stiff opposition, we suffered there last year and there is no doubt that to be in with a chance of the three points we will have to be at our best. We spurned a few good chances last week, but at least we are still creating chances and that's a positive. The lads are still full of confidence and have trained well all week and are very keen to get back into action."

Derek Pender is the only certain absentee for Bray. The full-back remains sidelined with a knee injury. Patrick Kavanagh and Dave Mulcahy could both return to the side if they pass fitness tests before the match.

Derry are missing Clive Delaney, Kevin Deery and Gerard Doherty. Former Seagull Delaney is out with a back injury, while Deery and Doherty will not be in the side due to knee injuries.

Extratime.ie prediction: 1-2. Bray are unbeaten at home so far this season but Derry should have enough to get the three points at the Carlisle Grounds.