Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Cork City
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Jul 27 2018
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers have a new owner in Niall O'Driscoll and will hope for a new beginning when they host champions Cork City on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
The St Joseph's Boys academy director completed his takeover of the club this week, so the club's financial security looks safe for the immediate future at least.
On the field, the Seagulls are still smarting from their joint-heaviest defeat of the season as they went down 6-0 to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
Daniel Kelly came back to haunt his former club as he scored twice on his full debut, while Dinny Corcoran, Kevin Devaney, Dan Casey and Cristian Magerusan also scored.
“We know we are in for a really tough game,” caretaker manager Graham Kelly told the club's website.
“Cork are a fantastic side with quality all over the pitch, however our lads have trained really well this week.
“We head into the game with good home form and hopefully again tonight we can put in a performance that will enable us to take something from the game.”
John Sullivan and Mark O'Connor are injured, Byron O'Gorman is unavailable and Dragos Mamaliga is away on international duty with Moldova under-19s.
CORK CITY
Cork bounced back from their disappointing Champions League defeat to Legia Warsaw in spectacular fashion as they beat Derry City 5-0 at Turner's Cross.
Garry Buckley scored twice either side of a Jimmy Keohane strike, before Damien Delaney and Rónán Coughlan both scored their first goals for the club.
A win will see City back to the top of the table ahead of Dundalk, albeit with two more games played, as the title race looks set to go down to the wire.
“When you look at [Bray#s results, they’ve taken two draws at home to Waterford, beaten Rovers at home,” said John Caulfield.
“It has been a difficult time for Bray but, when you look at their players, they are honest and decent guys and they will always go out and have a go.”
“People might expect or assume but, when we won 4-0 up there earlier in the year, it was 1-0 for a long time and we got three goals in the second half.”
“When you go to Bray, you have to be ready for the game. There are three points on offer and we have to keep the pressure on.
“That’s why Monday was so important for us and it is important for us to stay in there and keep picking up points. If we can do that, it will go right to the wire.”
Defenders Conor McCarthy and Colm Horgan miss out with injury, while John Kavanagh has joined Finn Harps on loan, but new signing Shane Daly-Butz is in contention.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
MATCH STATS
The two meetings between the sides this season have yielded identical 4-0 scorelines in favour of the Leesiders.
Sean McLoughlin, Barry McNamee and Kieran Sadlier netted in the game at the Carlisle Grounds, while McLoughlin scored again in the reverse fixture.
BETTING
Bray Wanderers 20/1; Draw 8/1; Cork City 1/25.
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 0 – 2 Cork City
Bray Wanderers
Injured: John Sullivan, Mark O'Connor.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Unavailable: Byron O'Gorman, Dragos Mamaliga (international duty).
Cork City
Injured: Conor McCarthy, Colm Horgan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
