Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
League Preview: Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Aug 04 2017
BOHEMIANS
Bohemians host Bray Wanderers at Dalymount Park (kick-off 7.45pm) on the back of two big away wins in the past seven days.
Last Friday saw the Gypsies deservedly beat their cross-city rivals Shamrock Rovers 2-1 in the televised game at Tallaght Stadium.
Three days later, Keith Long's side travelled to Turner's Cross and became the first League of Ireland side to beat the Leesiders in 2017 thanks to Georgie Poynton's penalty.
“To get six points from those two games was massive for us,” Long told the club's official website.
“The players were excellent but our challenge all season has been trying to maintain consistency.
“Those wins were much-needed too after three defeats beforehand but it’s important that we keep our feet on the ground.
“We have to strive to maintain those performance levels. Those wins are in the past and we have a fresh challenge now.”
Long cautioned that Bray's poor run of form doesn't take away from the fact they've been one of the league's best teams this season.
“Bray have been in the top four or five all season. They’re there for a reason.
“They are an excellent side. They’ve had a difficult month off the field but now the transfer window is closed, they will be able to refocus on the rest of the season.
“But we just have to focus on our own performance first and make sure, collectively our performance is as good as it can be.”
Defenders Dan Casey and Warren O'Hora, who went off injured with concussion in Cork, are definitely out while Greg Murray and Eoin Wearen remain sidelined.
Captain Derek Pender and Paddy Kavanagh return from injury while Bohs have also been boosted by news Oscar Brennan, Fuad Sule and O'Hora have all signed new deals.
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers have not provided any team news.
Referee: Graham Kelly.
MATCH STATS
The sides have met twice so far this season, with the Gypsies running out winners on both occasions.
On the first meeting in Richmond Park, Bray took a 2-0 lead soon after half-time only for a Dinny Corcoran brace and a Keith Ward goal to complete a remarkable turnaround.
In the return fixture at the Carlisle Grounds, Bohs again came from behind to win with another Corcoran brace more than cancelling out Tim Clancy's opener.
BETTING
Bohemians 6/5; Draw 12/5; Bray Wanderers 11/5.
PREDICTION
Bohemians 2 – 0 Bray Wanderers
Bohemians
Injured: Dan Casey (ankle), Greg Murray (hand), Warren O'Hora (concussion), Eoin Wearen (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Peter Cherrie.
