FAI Cup Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Cork City

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Aug 11 2017




Bray Wanderers play host to reigning cup champions Cork City in the FAI Cup First Round at the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday night. Kick-off is at 7pm.

 

BRAY WANDERERS

On the two occasions in which the clubs have clashed this season, Bray have come up short in both games falling to 2-1 and 2-0 defeats respectively.

 

With European football starting to slip away from “The Seagulls” in the league campaign, one would have to feel as if this may be one of Bray's last avenues to competing with some of the continents elite next season in the Europa League.

 

In terms of team news, Harry Kenny will be able to call on the services of goalkeeper Peter Cherrie who is back after serving a suspension last week in the stalemate at Dalymount Park.

 

Hugh Douglas is a doubt and will be assessed up until Kick-off after receiving stitches in his head prior to last weekend's draw.

 

Speaking ahead of the game, manager Harry Kenny is calling on supporters to get out to the Carlisle in numbers as they look to topple the cup holders.

 

“We’re looking forward to the game v Cork City and hopefully our supporters will come out in big numbers to cheer on the team.”

 

Kenny also remarked that he felt the only difference in the previous game at the Carlisle Grounds was Sean Maguire. Maguire has since left City for English Championship side Preston North End.

 

“I felt Seanie Maguire was the difference between the two teams when we last met in the league at the Carlisle grounds.”


 

CORK CITY

Cork City travel to the east coast for the second time in the space of a week following their 1-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the EA Sports Cup semi-final.

 

Alan Bennett was dismissed following an apparent stamp which resulted in The Leesiders having to play the majority of the game with 10 men allowing Rovers midfielder James Doona to pop up with the winner in the 120th minute.

 

Cork manager John Caulfield is already in an upbeat mood looking forward to bouncing back from the disappointment of Monday night.

 

“We won the cup last year and we want to get another run going this year. We were disappointed to lose on Monday, but what do you do? You bounce back!”

 

Caulfield is also expecting a stern test from Bray despite the Seagulls recent off the pitch struggles.

 

“Harry (Kenny) has done incredibly well at Bray. They are probably looking at us now thinking it is a real opportunity to get a cup run. They have kept all of their key players and they are back focused after a difficult few weeks, so I am sure they will be looking forward to the game”

 

In team news, Conor McCormack is back for the league leaders after a suspension and July signing Kieran Sadlier has returned after being cup tied for the Shamrock Rovers game. Alan Bennett won't play any part as he is serving a suspension for a red card. Long-term absentee Johnny Dunleavy will not take part also with an injury.

 

Referee: Robert Harvey


 

MATCH STATS

Bray have only won two of their previous ten games, racking up six defeats in the poor run of form which has seen the club slip away from European qualification.

 

Cork City are current FAI Cup holders after defeating previous FAI Cup winners Dundalk 1-0 at the AViva Stadium. Sean Maguire came up with the winner on that occasion.

 

Bray have won the FAI Cup on two occasions. They first won it in 1990 and added a second in 1999 against Finn Harps.

 

A winner will have to be had on the day with the possibility of extra time and penalties looming if there is a stalemate between the two sides.


 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 11/4; Draw 14/5; Cork City 8/11.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1-2 Cork City


 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None

Doubtful: Hugh Douglas

Suspended: None

 

Cork City

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Alan Bennett