League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Bohemians

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, May 11 2018




BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers welcome Bohemians to the Carlisle Grounds as they look to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time this season (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Seagulls registered just their second win of the season over Derry City last Friday as a brace from Rónán Coughlan saw them to a 2-1 win.

That made it six points from six games for caretaker manager Graham Kelly after the Seagulls had picked up just one in their previous nine.

“I thought we were excellent in the game last week against Derry,” Kelly told the club's media team.

“We pressed and worked as a team and when we won the ball back we kept it really well and created some good chances.

“Derry came here on the back of a ten-game unbeaten run but the work rate and the attitude of our player’s was fantastic and was very evident for all to see.

“We will need to try match that performance tomorrow evening and hopefully get another 3 valuable points on board.

“We know if won’t be easy as Bohs are a very good side with a lot of experience and young quality players in their squad.

“Keith has them playing some really good football and they no doubt will come here full of confidence and upbeat after their 2-0 away win in Sligo last weekend.”

The injury list continues to grow for Kelly as defender Hugh Douglas has joined John Sullivan, Aaron Greene, Jake Kelly and Darragh Noone on the long-term injury list.

Goalkeeper Aaron Dillon will miss out with a back injury while full-back Lynch is suspended after picking up five bookings.

 

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians, like Bray, go into the game on the back of a win having downed Sligo Rovers 2-0 in the Showgrounds on Saturday.

Winger Danny Grant bagged a brace – his first goals in senior football – as the Gypsies picked up their first win since the derby win in Tallaght on April 13.

“Bray’s performances have improved in recent weeks and their results are starting to pick up at home,” manager Keith Long told the club's official website.

“Beating Derry City last week was a massive result for them. They’ve gathered momentum at the Carlisle Grounds so they are not to be underestimated.

“But we’re coming into this game positive. We kept a clean sheet for only the second time this year with the win in Sligo.”

Darragh Leahy sustained ligament damage in the win over Sligo and will miss 6-8 weeks, while Derek Pender, Karl Moore, Colin McCabe, Ryan Swan and Cristian Magerusan are also out.

Dan Casey is a doubt, but both Dinny Corcoran and Rob Cornwall are fit to resume after missing the Sligo game with niggles.

 

Referee: Sean Grant

 

MATCH STATS

An injury-time goal from Dinny Corcoran broke Bray's resolve at Dalymount Park in March after Daniel Kelly and Ian Morris had exchanged goals within the first five minutes.

The three meetings between the sides last year saw Bohs run out home and away winners before the third game at Dalymount Park finished scoreless.

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 11/4; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 10/11.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1 – 2 Bohemians

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Aaron Dillon (back), Hugh Douglas (knee), Aaron Greene (knee), Jake Kelly (foot), Darragh Noone (foot), John Sullivan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Kevin Lynch.

Unavailable: Shane Flynn.

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender (calf), Karl Moore (ankle), Colin McCabe (shoulder), Ryan Swan (knee) and Cristian Magerusan (metatarsal), Darragh Leahy (knee).

Doubtful: Dan Casey (calf).

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Sean Bohan.