St Patrick's Ath -v- Bray Wanderers

• Seamus Egan
• Thu, Aug 16 2012




 

ST PATRICK’S ATH

Fourth placed Saint Patricks Athletic will take on relegation threatened Bray Wanderers at Inchicore in the Airtricity League Premier Division on Friday night (kick-off 7.45.pm).

 

After being eliminated from the Europa League by Hannover 96 on the 9th of August, the Saints returned to winning ways in the league with a crucial 1-0 win away to Cork City on Monday night. Liam Buckley’s team do have games in hand over the teams above them in the table and cannot be ruled out of the title race just yet.

 

Mark Rossiter, who picked up a knee injury against Derry City, will again miss out for Pats. Dean Kelly will also miss out with a groin injury as will Stephen O’Flynn with a rib injury. John Russell will face a fitness test before kick-off and Jake Carroll will return to

the squad after serving a one match ban.

 

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers have won just once in their last eight league games, although four of those did end in draws, including a 0-0 draw away to champions Shamrock Rovers. Last Friday night they drew 1-1 with Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds. The Wicklow club also drew 3-3 with Liam Buckley’s side when they met in the league at the Carlisle Grounds back in May.

 

Bray, who are currently third from bottom in the table, will be boosted by the news that they have almost a full squad to choose from for the trip to Inchicore. Defender Kevin Knight is likely to miss out but is thought to be the only absentee.

 

Bray Director of Football Pat Devlin is hoping that his side can improve their finishing against Saint Pats. “We need to improve our finishing. I’m hoping we can improve that aspect of our game against Saint Patricks Athletic, who have had a great season so far. The games between us have always been entertaining and we are looking forward to

it.”

 

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Saint Patricks Athletic goalkeeper Brendan Clarke, who won an FAI Cup winners medal with Sligo Rovers last season, is a lifelong Saint Pats fan.

 

One of Bray’s most recent signings Brendan King, was a member of the United States squad at the 2007 under 17 World Cup.

 

Donegal born Sean Houston scored a hat-trick for Bray Wanderers against UCD in September of 2011.

 

 

BETTING

Saint Patrick’s Athletic 2/5, Draw 10/3, Bray Wanderers 13/2.

 

PREDICTION

Saint Patricks Athletic 2-1 Bray Wanderers.

 

 

St Pats Injury News: Mark Rossiter, Dean Kelly, Stephen O’Flynn (out). John Russell (doubt).

St Pats Suspension News: None.

 

Bray Injury News: Kevin Knight.

Bray Suspension News: None.