UCD -v- Bray Wanderers

• Lloyd Murphy
• Thu, Mar 25 2010


UCD welcome Bray Wanderers to the Belfield Bowl this Friday determined to put last week's defeats against Bohs and St.Pats behind them. Sean Harding, Paul Corry and Ger Barron are missing through injury, but all have resumed training and may be in contention to face Shamrock Rovers next week. Midfielder Stephen Roche will miss the game through illness.

However, UCD's options in midfield have improved, with Greg Bolger available after suspension and Robbie Creevy back following a dead leg. Manager Martin Russell is very optimistic of his team getting a result this Friday, despite last week's disappointment.

“There were a lot of positives in Inchicore last week. A fine debut in midfield for young Danny Fallon and another ninety minutes for Evan McMillan who we had to press into action earlier than we might have liked after injury.”

Russell will be pleased with his young team's efforts and with the high tempo passing game they are known for. Nevertheless, the two defeats give the Bray game added spice. Wanderers have lost all three opening fixtures. If they were to succeed in the Bowl on Friday it would be a blow to the Students expectations.

Bray have no injury worries ahead of the game. Eddie Gormley welcomes Dane Massey back into the squad for Friday's game after a one match ban which means the Bray manager has a full squad to choose from. Following Bray's defeat to Fingal last week, Gormley said he was very disappointed with his team’s performance and knows how big the game against UCD is this Friday.

"It was our worst performance to date and I was not happy with the effort, going forward I am looking for a massive improvement for Friday night. It’s a big game on Friday night even at this stage of the season it's a big one for both sides, we need to stand up to the mark and try and win this one".

U.C.D. are unbeaten at home to Bray Wanderers in the last seven matches in all competitions and have lost just once at home to Bray in eleven games, so the visitors will have their work cut out for them. With both managers will be fielding young sides and looking to bounce back after a defeat, expect this game to be played with a high tempo.

Venue: The Belfield Bowl

Referee: R. Rogers

Paddypower Odds:UCD 4/7, Draw 9/4, Bray 5/1

UCD
Injured: Sean Harding, Paul Corry ,Ger Barron and Stephen Roche
Doubtful: none
Suspended: none

Bray Wanderers
Injured: none
Doubtful: none
Suspended: none
extratime.ie Prediction: Narrow victory for the students, 2-1.