Credit:
Sligo Rovers FC -v- Bray Wanderers AFC
- Alan Smith
- Mon, Apr 06 2009
Sligo Rovers go in search of their first win of the campaign when they welcome Bray Wanderers to the Showgrounds on Tuesday night (kick-off 8pm). Bray left it late to grab their first victory of the season in an extraordinary game at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday and that is sure to be a big boost for the Seagulls as they travel to the north-west.
Gormley focused
Speaking after the weekend win over his former club Saint Patrick's Athletic, Bray boss Eddie Gormley said: "Friday night was a very good performance and a good result. We played with a lot of confidence and we will need to repeat that performance against Sligo. They are a very good side and although they have hit a bad patch we will have to perform well if we want to get anything out of the game."
Bogey ground
Sligo have failed to reach the heights of 2008 so far and only have Drogheda United to look down on at present. Bray haven’t had the best of times against the Bit O’Red of late, though, failing to score in any of their meetings last year and conceding five goals in their two trips to the Showgrounds. It is without doubt a bogey ground for the Seasiders as they have lost seven of their last eight visits, failing to find the net on the last five occasions.
Sligo boost
The home side welcome back both Danny Ventre and Stephen Parkhouse to the side after they missed out on the disappointing 3-1 defeat by Dundalk on Saturday due to suspension and injury respectively. The one positive from that game was the return of Mauro Almeida who entered as a second-half substitute. He is expected to be involved in a similar role again. Chris Butler remains a long-term absentee but he is the only man not available to manager Paul Cook.
Bray depleted
Bray, on the other hand, will be missing several important players. Paddy Kavanagh, Dave Mulcahy and Derek Pender all missed the St. Pat's game and are also ruled out of this fixture. Chris Deans and Derek Foran will both have late fitness tests but are rated doubtful. However, Daryl Robson does return from suspension for Wanderers. The game, incidentally, will be refereed by Paul Tuite.
extratime.ie prediction: The home team are priced at 11/10 with Bray 2/1 and the draw 11/5. It will be a very close encounter and a draw looks like the most likely result.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90.