League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Bray Wanderers

• Graham Russell
• Fri, Jul 21 2017




ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

A rejuvenated St Patrick’s Athletic host an unsteady Bray Wanderers on Friday night, in a tenth place vs third clash at Richmond Park (kick-off 8pm, live on Eir Sport 2).

 

The Saints will be looking to kick on from their victory last Friday over Derry City. Liam Buckley’s side came back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to claim all three points thanks to a penalty from Kurtis Byrne and a goal from Graham Kelly. Ronan Curtis had headed the Candystripes in front.

 

Tonight’s opponents Bray come into the game off a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Cork City last Sunday.

 

“There was very little in the game last week between Bray and Cork, so I would expect a tough game on Friday night,” manager Liam Buckley told the club's website.

 

“The thing we have to concentrate on though is ourselves and making sure we get our performance right.

 

“If we can repeat the levels of last week, we have a chance of picking up points, so that is our focus heading into the game.”

 

The Saints are without the services of Owen Garvan through suspension, and defender Gavin Peers and Darren Dennehy through injury.

 

 

BRAY WANDERERS

With their off-the-field problems continuing, it’s not the only worry the club are going through.

 

It is not good on-the-field too. In their last two games, they faced the league’s top two at home but came out of them with two defeats with no goals scored.

 

The 3-0 defeat to Dundalk on June 30^th showed how good the Lilywhites were more than anything but there was disappointment amongst the Seagull fans with how a third-placed team were rolled over so easily.

 

Of course though, that game will be remembered for the wrong reasons. It was the start of Bray's on-going financial troubles.

 

Last Sunday they faced Cork City at home, brought back 48 hours due to Cork's European expedition.

 

Sean Maguire, in his last league game before he moves to Preston North End, was on fire as he registered a goal in the first half and an assist for Jimmy Keohane with five minutes remaining.

 

The result still left the Wicklow club in third place but the two club’s behind them, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, are right on their tales.

 

“I was delighted with the application of the lads in last Sunday’s game against Cork city considering the off the field problems,” said manager Harry Kenny.

 

“I thought our second half performance in particular was very good, Sean Maguire was the difference between the two teams.

 

“St Pats had a very good win last Friday vs Derry and will be looking to build on that this week. They have also brought in some very good players in the transfer window so we will need to be at our best to get a result.”

 

Anto Flood has recovered from a foot injury and will be available for selection having missed out against Cork City last Sunday.

 

A win in Inchicore would really kick-start their flaggling season and resurrect their European bid.

 

 

MATCH STATS

In the four games played to date between the sides in all competitions, the Saints have two wins from the Leinster Senior Cup and EA Sports Cup games.

 

The Seagulls, meanwhile won the opening game of the league season 2-1, while on May 5^th the sides drew 1-1 in the Carlisle Grounds.

 

The two sides have met each other a total of 45 times. Saints winning 29 times to the Seagulls' 11.

 

There has been average of 2.9 goals in those 45 games.

 

Pats have scored 24 times in total in the league and have conceded 35. Which means they have a goal difference of -11.

 

Bray, meanwhile, have scored 40 times in total and have conceded 39 times (second worst record in the Division behind Drogheda's 43), so have a goal difference of +1.

 

Bray finished a point above St. Pats last season despite two wins in their opening 16 Premier Division games.

 

Bray have won six out of the last 11 meetings of the sides in all competitions.

 

 

Referee: Neil Doyle

 

 

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 13/10; Draw 12/5; Bray Wanderers 2/1

 

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 1-1 Bray Wanderers

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Gavin Peers, Darren Dennehy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Owen Garvan.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.