Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers
- P.J. Murray
- Fri, Aug 03 2012
BOHEMIANS
Aaron Callaghan’s side could be one point off breaking into the top four if they continue their winning streak and beat Bray Wanderers at Dalymount.
Bohs have finally managed to find some form and there should be a renewed confidence surrounding The Gypsies.
Callaghan feels that the 4-0 win over bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers five weeks ago was a massive turning point for the club.
“There’s more belief in the squad and there’s a bit of competition for places which also helps people to focus more and to keep up their performance levels,” he said.
Since Bray took three points off Bohemians at the Carlisle Grounds there has been a dramatic change in form which has seen the Seagulls sink and Bohs soar.
Callaghan will be looking for a bright start from his players. “The first goal seems to be the key. If we can get the first goal and get the impetus which will help us.”
The Bohs manager will be boosted by the fact that he has several options up front to cope with Dave Scully’s suspension.
Dinny Corcoran is back fit while Dwayne Wilson has emerged as a striker and John O’Connor is fully fit after the illness he had.
Callaghan is also boosted by the performance of ‘fringe’ players last month against Cork City and the way Michael Barker has made himself a choice for the starting line-up.
BRAY WANDERERS
The seagulls are in the familiar position of having to look over their shoulders toward the bottom of the table. They may be third from bottom, but there are only six points separating the bottom three sides and with only two draws in their recent games they need things to pick up soon.
However, it must be said that they held Shamrock Rovers to a 0-0 draw most recently while also denying Sligo Rovers all three points a few weeks ago.
Speaking during the week Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin said he was pleased with the point against Shamrock Rovers in their last League outing at Tallaght Stadium.
He said "It was good to get the point in Tallaght and the performance was good, and I'm hoping we can continue that against Bohemians who have had a great season so far ". He added "We are looking forward to it ".
Devlin will have to plan without the services of Bray Wanderers will be without Kieran Marty Waters and John Mulroy.
Waters serves the second of a two match ban having been sent off against Shelbourne at the Carlisle Grounds three weeks ago while Mulroy serves a one match ban having reached four penalty points. However there will be a few familiar faces in the Bray squad as they completed the signings of Paddy Seery and Lee Dixon, who may well feature with something to prove.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
MATCH STATS
Bray beat Bohemians already this season in the reverse fixture in the Carlisle Ground back in March. Former Gypsy Jason Byrne was on target in a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Despite sitting four places behind Bohemians in the league standings, Bray have scored seven more goals than the Phibsborough club. Indeed Bohs return of 19 goals is the third lowest in the Premier Division after UCD and Dundalk.
Bray have won just once in their last six League outings.
BETTING
Bohemians 3/4 Draw, 5/2, Bray 7/2
PREDICTION
2-1 to Bohemians
Bohemians Injury News: None
Bohemians Suspension News: Dave Scully
Bray Injury News: None
Bray Suspension News: Kieran Marty Waters, John Mulroy
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night.