Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Oct 18 2013




BOHEMIANS

While the destination of the League crown has been decided, the question of which Premier Division team will be relegated to the rapidly diminishing environs of the lower tier has yet to be answered. But this game at Dalymount Park may well prove decisive.

 

Bohemians are not yet technically clear of relegation with a five point gap between themselves and the play-off place, which is currently occupied by Bray. But one point from this fixture will guarantee them Premier Division football in 2014.

 

Wins over Shelbourne and Derry, along with a creditable point from last weekend’s game against Dundalk, have put a season-saving seven points in their account over the last four league matches. 

 

With Bobby Browne recently installed as caretaker manager, Bohemians are expected to survive what has been a difficult season and the new boss laid much of the credit for the club’s revival at the door of Bohs veteran Owen Heary, who took over the reins when previous manager Aaron Callaghan, departed the club in mid July.

 

“I came into a set-up that was very much Owen’s team and I told him I was not going to change it up, especially as it wasn’t broken”, said Browne. “Hopefully we can finish it off on Friday and Owen can be rewarded”.

 

Browne will be without Anto Murphy for the game, who is suffering from an ulcer, and he is also likely to be missing the services of Shane Murray and Dave Mulcahy. Neil Yadolahi, the scorer of Bohs’ late equaliser against Dundalk is expected to retain his place in the side.

 

 

BRAY WANDERERS

While their opponents, Bohemians, need a point from this game to avoid the threat of a relegation play-off, Bray need the same result to ensure they steer clear of a last place finish and automatic relegation. Three points, on the other hand, would guarantee that the Seagulls carry the fight to avoid a play-off into the last weekend of the season.

 

Prior to last weekend’s win over Limerick, Bray had earned just four league points in their previous 14 outings but Danny O’Connor’s winner a the Carlisle Grounds ensures that Pat Devlin’s side enter this vital game with a bit of much needed confidence.

 

The Wicklow side have scored just five goals in their last nine league games and with Jason Byrne’s hot run of goal-scoring form cooling somewhat in recent weeks they have not scored more than once in a league game since the spectacular 4-4 draw away to Limerick back in July.

 

At the other end Bray have kept just three clean sheets in the league all season so last weekend’s shut out against Limerick came at an opportune moment. But Bohs have scored six times against Bray in their two previous league meetings this year, a trend that Devlin’s side need to reverse on Friday night.

 

Speaking before the game, Devlin said, "It's always tough going to Dalymount no matter what position you are in and this Friday will be no different but we are looking forward it it".

 

Referee: Robert Rogers

 

 

MATCH STATS

Bray’s win over Limerick last weekend ended a streak of 14 league games for the Seagulls  without a win.

 

Striker Jason Byrne has scored 13 of Bray’s 32 league goals this year. Bohemians’ top scorer is Ryan McEvoy with seven.

 

Bohs front men Dinny Corcoran and Chris Lyons, each with two, have bagged four of their combined seven league goals this year against Bray.

 

 

BETTING

Bohemians 10/11, Draw 9/4, Bray 5/2.

 

 

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-1 Bray Wanderers

 

 

Bohemians

Injured: Anto Murphy.
Doubtful: Dave Mulcahy, Shane Murray.
Suspended: None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.