Bray Wanderers AFC -v- Galway United FC

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Thu, Mar 19 2009


Table-topping Galway United face Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm). The Tribesmen will be looking to maintain their 100 percent start to the season but it will not be easy as they are going up against the only other side in the league yet to concede a goal.

Consistent
Bray have begun the campaign with two scoreless draws, at home to Shamrock Rovers and away to Drogheda United. This weekend's clash will not be any easier as Wanderers tackle the surprise early pacesetters in the league. Galway shocked many with an opening day 3-0 win at Saint Patrick's Athletic and then followed it up at Terryland Park with a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Dundalk.

Gormley gunning
However, Bray boss Eddie Gormley is confident that the Seagulls can get something from the fixture. "We had a positive finish last Friday night in Drogheda and put in an excellent second-half performance," he said. "We created the better chances and with a bit of luck in the two games so far we could be on top with Galway. It will be tough on Friday, they are on a roll and their confidence will be high. I think it will be a close encounter. We look fairly solid at the back and they are not leaking goals. If we put in a good performance we will be in with a great chance of the three points."

Heavy weight
Opposite number Ian Foster is equally sure that his Galway side can get a third win on the bounce. “There is an element of expectation now that we have won both of our opening games, but that is something we must deal with as a team," he said. "Bray have also made a good start and are the only other side in the Premier Division not to concede a goal, so we will have to work hard to break them down. But the lads have worked hard in the games to date and we will go there with the confidence picked up from the wins so far and hopefully we can continue this good start.”

Bray boost
Paul Byrne is the only absentee for the hosts. Byrne is suspended for one match after accumulating four penalty points last season. Daryl Robson and Stephen Brennan both return to the squad after they missed last week's trip to Louth with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively. Galway, meanwhile, will be without John Russell and Jonathan Keane. Russell remains out through injury while Keane is taking a break from football for a short period. David Cooke returns to the United squad after missing the first two games with a hamstring strain.

extratime.ie prediction: A first goal of the season for Bray could see them shade it. 1-0.