League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Macdara Ferris
• Fri, Jul 18 2014




BRAY WANDERERS

The problem facing the Seagulls this Friday for Shamrock Rovers’ visit to the Carlisle Grounds (7.45pm kick off) is overcoming their terrible recent run of form and the loss of four of their squad due to injury.

 

The Seagulls attacking options may be limited with the loss of Adam Hanlon due to injury and Ismahil Akinade who, along with defender Graham Kelly, faces a late fitness test. Bray boss Alan Mathews will have to do without the injured defenders Rob Maloney, Dave Webster and former Hoop Eric McGill for one of only two Premier Division games being played on Friday evening.

 

Bray have lost their last four league games in a row, conceding 16 goals in the process. The good news for Bray is that their new signings Philly Hughes, Joe Gorman, Gareth McDonagh and Ryan Coombes, following his move from Rovers’ B team, are all available. Mathews also hopes to add 20 year old Michael Barker to the match day squad, if his clearance following his move from UCD comes through in time for the match.

 

The game comes a couple of days ahead of Sunday’s friendly against a Manchester United XI but Mathews insists his players will be focused on the Premier Division clash.  “We’ve got Shamrock Rovers on Friday and frankly the most important thing is to get a result in that match, given our recent league form,” said Mathews speaking to www.braywanderers.ie.

 

“The match against United is a great opportunity to showcase what we’re building here at the Carlisle Grounds. It’s also a chance for the players to go out and express themselves and measure themselves against players trying to break into the first team at Old Trafford. But make no mistake, the most important match for us is the one against Rovers.”

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers take the trip from Tallaght across the county line to take on Bray Wanderers in Wicklow on Friday night. The Hoops are looking to get back on track in the title race after their disappointing 1-0 home loss to league leaders Dundalk last Sunday.

 

It was a result, and particularly a performance, that raised the ire of the Rovers faithful in the crowd. However, the Hoops are still in the title race sitting six points behind Dundalk and Cork. They have a game in hand on Pat’s who aren’t playing this weekend due to their Champions League qualifier commitments and so a positive result of any sort will push Rovers into one of the three automatic European spots for next season.

 

 “It is a good chance for us to put last weekend’s result behind us,” said Hoops boss Trevor Croly. “It is still very tight at the top of the table and we need to take every opportunity to put points on the board and stay in the mix. A lot of work has been done this week with a view to addressing the problems that were identified from last week. And we will be looking to get back to winning ways on Friday night.”

 

Trevor Croly’s squad will be without Rob Cornwall due to a hamstring injury and Stephen McPhail who is still suspended following his sending off for a headbutt against Pat’s earlier in the month. Ryan Brennan is likely to also miss the game due to illness.

 

Referee: Neil Doyle.

 

MATCH STATS
Bray have one win in their last eight league outings; that was a 1-0 home win over Limerick back in May.

 

The Seagulls have scored only eight goals at home in the league all season. Along with UCD and Bohemians, that is the fewest in the league. 

 

Only St. Patrick’s Athletic have scored more league goals away from home than the 16 that Shamrock Rovers have scored.

 

BETTING

Bray 13/2; Draw 10/3; Shamrock Rovers 2/5.

 

PREDICTION
1-0 away win.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Adam Hanlon, Rob Maloney, Dave Webster and Eric McGill.

Doubtful: Ismahil Akinade, Graham Kelly, Michael Barker.

Suspended: None.

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Rob Cornwall.

Doubtful: Ryan Brennan.

Suspended: Stephen McPhail.