Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers

• P.J. Murray
• Fri, Oct 21 2011




Bray Wanderers can take another giant step to claiming sixth place in the Airtricity Premier Division with a win against Galway United  at Terryland Park tonight. (Kick-off, 7.45pm)

 

The Seasiders have exceeded expectations this season, pre-season predictions had them battling for survival, but with the possibility of finishing ahead of Dundalk everyone involved can be proud of what the club have achieved.

 

Galway are still searching for their first point under the management of John Brennan, but the Tribesmen already know that they have a promotion/relegation play-off to prepare for. The Galway legend has, despite results, done well for what he has available to him. Only Dundalk’s injury list has mirrored Galway’s this season and a severe lack of depth in the Westerner’s squad has been a massive hindrance.

 

Brennan can feel hard done by not to get a point against Drogheda United two weeks ago, once again he saw his side battle hard and take a lead only to let it slip in cruel circumstances. Bray on the other hand played Drogheda last Friday and they were nothing but clinical.

 

Speaking after his sides impressive win over Drogheda Utd Director of Football Pat Devlin said he was very pleased with his sides performance and felt they played some quality football, especially in the last fifteen to twenty minutes of the first half. He felt they could have had a few more goals in the second half. Looking ahead to the trip to Galway Devlin said, "It will be tough, they are preparing for a play off and we will be keen to get the three points to cement sixth place but its always difficult in Galway".

 

Both these teams were seriously hit pre-season with player departures and neither really filled the gap. But Bray have coped better under the guidance of Pat Devlin. The visitors have won all three meetings between the teams having scored nine goals and conceded none.

 

John Brennan's side will once again be down to the bare bones. Brennan has 12 fit players available for the visit of Bray Wanderers on Friday evening. U19 players will have to be drafted in to fill United's bench.

United's wretched luck with injuries continues and two more players were added to an already long list. United will be without long term injury victims Johnny Keane (knee), Eric Holland (hamstring) and Victor Collins (achilles tendon). South Korean winger Jin Gu Kim has a hamstring problem and is ruled out. It was hoped Laurence Gaughan would be fit enough to return for the visit of Bray but he has not reached full fitness and won't be risked. Added to United's extensive injury list are John Egan (knee) and Eduardo Dusi (hamstring). Gary Kelly will also be unavailable because of a one match suspension he must serve as a result of picking up four yellow cards.

 

Sean Houston's hip injury picked up against Shamrock Rovers will cause him to miss his second successive game. There are also doubts about goalkeeper Darren Quigley who is suffering from a recurrence of an elbow injury while defender Shane O'Connor is still recovering from a hip injury picked up in Bray's defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Shane O' Neill and Derek Prendergast return to the squad having missed out on Bray's last two outings while veteran Colm Tresson is added to the travelling party.

 

Galway United

Injured: Johnny Keane, Eric Holland, Jin Gu Kim and Victor Collins, John Egan and Eduardo Dusi

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Gary Kelly

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Sean Houston, Shane O’Connor

Doubtful: Darren Quigley

Suspended: None

 

Referee: Richie Winter.

Paddypower.com Odds: Galway United 11/1, Draw 4/1, Bray Wanderers 1/4.

Extratime.ie Prediction: Bray, they should win this by 2 clear goals, 3-1.