Bray Wanderers -v- UCD

• Andrew Cunneen
• Fri, Mar 29 2013




BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers host UCD at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening as they aim to take advantage of what has been a poor start by the Students. 

 

Despite beating strugglers Shelbourne on the opening day of the season, Bray Wanderers haven't returned as many points as they probably merited thus far. A three-nil defeat at the hands of Sligo doesn't accurately reflect the good display shown by the Seagulls. A narrow loss to Drogheda United at Hunky Dorys Park could so easily have been three points for Wanderers; so the start has not been disheartening by any stretch of the imagination. 

 

Adam Mitchell will be missing once again for Bray while a doubt hangs over the fitness of Jason Byrne, who limped off against Drogheda United. However, the inclusion of Shane O'Connor in the matchday squad should brighten the Wicklow spirits as the young defender has overcome his hamstring injury. 

 

UCD

The Students are in dire need of points even at this early stage of the season and this visit to the seaside would be the perfect venue to notch that first win. 

 

An opening day defeat to Bohemians began a horrid run of four consecutive defeats for the Students. A six-nil drubbing at the hands of Derry City was endured before strong displays from Limerick and Dundalk led to the defeats that have UCD sitting at the bottom of the pack early on. 

 

Mick Leahy and Robbie Benson are both set to miss this clash with knee and hamstring problems respectively. The duo will be deemed as big losses for Martin Russell's men ahead of the trip to the Carlisle Grounds. 

 

Speaking ahead of the trip to Bray, Martin Russell gave his thoughts on the game. “The game against Bray is one we look forward to. The Dundalk game was one that got away a bit as we had chances to win it but as ever we look to progress our young squad’s experience and these games against Bray and Sligo at home on Monday are invaluable for them.” 

 

Referee: Neil Doyle.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Bray and U.C.D. have never played out a scoreless draw in thirty-one meetings in all competitions. 

 

U.C.D. have lost on their last three visits to the Carlisle Grounds. 

 

The students have failed to keep a clean sheet in the last ten meetings between the sides.

 

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 3/4; Draw 12/5; UCD 7/2.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2-1 UCD.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Adam Mitchell.
Suspended: None.

 

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy, Robbie Benson.
Suspended: None.