League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Bray Wanderers

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, Oct 24 2014




ATHLONE TOWN

Despite a timely, surprising win over St. Patrick's Athletic last week, a victory elsewhere for UCD meant that Athlone Town's Premier Division fate is no longer in their own hands.

 

Defeat on Friday would mean a return to the First Division which they won with ease just 12 months ago.


Manager Keith Long must work without the suspended duo of Brian Shortall and the ever impressive Kealon Dillon. Both John Mulroy (ankle) and Mark Hughes (hamstring) may be available despite carrying those injuries.

The sides shared two draws earlier in the season, though Athlone will know a draw may be enough to book a play-off spot with either Shelbourne or Galway F.C. Their vastly superior goal-difference could prove to be enough to relegate UCD, who failed to capitalise on Athlone’s dreadful start to the season.


The 2-0 triumph at Richmond Park last week was their first win since July, though with UCD ending a similar run, it’s all still to play for in the final 90 minutes of the season.


BRAY WANDERERS

Bray were the toast of Leeside last Friday night, as they took a point against Dundalk amid driving rain in the Carlisle Grounds.

 

The point all but secures their Premier Division status for another year, though reports of financials issues have put their Premier Division licence into question.

 

Rising debt and worries over wages may re-emerge after this game on Friday, but on the pitch Bray have almost achieved survival, something which is doubted in many quarters every season.

On the field, Alan Mathews has seen his side do enough to edge away from the bottom two, surprising wins over Sligo and Dundalk in series one have  proved to be massive for the Seagulls.  

Lack of goals has been the reason for Bray not lying higher up the table. This round of games has seen the seaside club net just 10 times in 11 games, with no away win since April which tells its own story.
 

The Seagulls will be suspension free, something which they’ve been rarely able to say after a season littered with red and yellow cards.

David Cassidy was influential last week, and the Bray captain will once again skipper a young side which has, at times, shown glimpses of a team capable of greater things.



Referee: Padraig Sutton.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Athlone last won at home against Limerick (3-0) in July, and have lost two of five at home since then.

Kealon Dillion, had started every league game until now, but is suspended on Friday night for Limerick.

Just four of Ian Sweeneys 29 League appearances have been starts.
 

BETTING

Athlone Town 8/13; Draw 3/1; Bray Wanderes 4/1

 

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 2-0 Bray Wanderers

  
Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Suspended: Kealon Dillon, Brian Shortall.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unavailable

Suspended: None.