Bray Wanderers -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Daire Walsh
• Fri, Oct 29 2010


Shamrock Rovers are just one more game away from winning their 16th league title, as they make the short journey to the Carlisle Grounds to take on play-off bound Bray Wanderers on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm). This would be the Tallaght side's first top-flight triumph since 1994, and a win against Pat Devlin's charges would represent a terrific turnaround for a side who were playing in the First Division as recently as 2006.

Following three defeats on the bounce against Dublin rivals UCD, Bohemians and Sporting Fingal, it looked like Michael O'Neill's men had let the title slip from their grasp, but their victory over Drogheda United last week (coupled with Bohemians' shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Galway United) means they are now very much in the driving seat.

In fact, given that they have a superior goal difference over Bohemians, a draw may well suffice, though they will no doubt be going all out for a victory from this game. They will head into the game without the services of a number of players however, as Dan Murray, Sean O'Connor and Pat Sullivan are still absent with knee injuries, while James Chambers is a slight doubt with an ankle injury.

Robert Bayly will also miss out through suspension, but Rovers have a very strong hand to pick from, so they won't be complaining too much about their absentees.

Though the draw scenario may well favour them should it turn out that way, boss O'Neill states that a win is the only thing on their minds as they head to the Wicklow venue, and they aren't going into the game with any other agenda than gaining three precious points.

“We are going to Bray looking to get a win, that's our sole aim. With that in mind, we'll be going with a positive team selection. We are at our best when we are playing for a win, and at an upbeat tempo; so that's what we will be going to do”, O'Neill stated.

“We cannot go there with any other agenda; we know if we win, we win the title. We are very happy with the situation we find ourselves in, so now it is up to us to make the most”, added O'Neill.

Heading into the final game of the season, Bray find themselves in a much stronger position than most people would have thought possible a couple of months ago. They have managed to leap-frog Drogheda United, and secure a place in the relegation play-off, as opposed to straight relegation to the First Division, which now awaits the Louth outfit.

Their form has been much improved, with the addition of Gary Dempsey adding an extra dimension to their midfield division. They have caused Rovers more than their fair share of problems in previous meetings this season, but with their league position already decided they may well conserve themselves for the relegation tie against Galway United in a couple of weeks time.

They will also be missing a number of players for this game, with Derek Prendergast (ankle), Sean Houston (thigh) and John Mulroy (hamstring) all ruled out with injury, while Danny O'Connor misses out due to a one-match ban.

They also have doubts over Jake Kelly (hamstring), Dane Massey (shoulder), Chris Shields (knee) and Gary Shaw (hamstring), and it is expected that Devlin will wait until the final minute before making a decision on their fitness.

Speaking to braywanderers.ie during the week, Devlin explained that last Friday's game against St. Patrick's Athletic was a very strange one for his side.

“It felt like we were limbo and we didn't do well in the first half, but I was glad with the improvement in the second. Then the score came in from Drogheda and we knew where we were, but on the night the better team won and they needed it more. All we can do is put our strongest team available to us and do well for the Club and the League”, Devlin explained.

With this in mind, we should expect a strong enough performance from Bray, and it should be remembered that Shamrock Rovers have failed to score in five of the last six visits to the Carlisle Grounds in all competitions.

However, there is far more at stake this time around, and this should be enough to push Rovers towards a victory on the night, with Gary Twigg aiming to get his 50th competitive goal for the champions-elect.

Venue: Carlisle Grounds, Bray.
Paddypower.com odds: Bray 8/1, Bohemians 3/10, Draw 4/1.

Bray Wanderers
Injured: Derek Prendergast, Sean Houston, John Mulroy.
Doubtful: Jake Kelly, Dane Massey, Chris Shields, Gary Shaw.
Suspended: Danny O'Connor.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Dan Murray, Sean O'Connor, Pat Sullivan.
Doubtful: James Chambers.
Suspended: Robert Bayly.

Extratime.ie prediction: Bray Wanderers 0-2 Shamrock Rovers.