League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Dundalk

• Brendan Graham
• Fri, Aug 17 2018




BRAY WANDERERS

It’s Ladies Night at the Carlisle Grounds this evening and three points for Gary Cronin and his side tonight would have everybody feeling all right down by the sea (kick-off 7.45pm).

Cronin has had a tough start to life as the new boss at Bray Wanderers last weekend as he watched the Seagulls succumb to a 3-1 opening round defeat to First Division side Finn Harps in the FAI Cup.

The cup weekend can often be short term relief for a squad if they are having a tough time of things in the league but for the Seagulls it has only made life even tougher.

As part of the ongoing campaign by the new owners at Bray to get more people back supporting the club, all ladies getting free admission into the meeting with the prospective league leaders.

Bray are currently rooted to the bottom of the table and sit nine points adrift of ninth-placed Limerick.

With just two wins in their last ten games and the end of the season drawing quite every point that Cronin’s side can pick up could prove vital when the standings are finalised in a few weeks.

Ahead of the game there will be late fitness tests for Evan Moran, Conor Kenna and Sean Harding with a number of the under-17 players pushing for a start.

“The involvement of some of the u17 squad gives the young lads a great opportunity to play at the highest level which not many young players get,” Cronin told the club's website.

“[It's] exciting times ahead for the younger players. Every player should want to play against the best teams and that’s exactly what are opposition are tomorrow night, one of the best teams.”

DUNDALK

Dundalk have a chance to return to the top of the table once more, at least until Cork City face St Patrick's Athletic in 48 hours, with a win by the seaside.

The Lilywhotes sit second in the league table, just two points behind Cork but, importantly, with two games in hand.

It hasn’t been the best of months for Stephen Kenny and his side so far with a 4-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca shortly followed by elimination in the League Cup semi-final to Cobh Ramblers.

From Europa League qualifiers to cup semi-finals and league postponements as a result, Dundalk have had very little league action in recent weeks.

Their last league game was a 2-0 home victory over Bohs on the 29^th of July and prior to that it was an away victory in Dublin against St. Pats way back on the 6^th.

“Every game between now and the end of the season is going to be difficult,” said recent signing Georgie Kelly.

“It’s going to be tough and everyone is fighting for everything. Bray Wanderers have a new manager and have a new structure in place so they will be rejuvenated and ready to go against us.

“We have to be wary of that. They will be ready for the game and we know that but hopefully we can get the three points that will take us into Monday against Sligo.”

Dean Jarvis and Karolis Chvedukas face late fitness tests ahead of the game with Stephen O’Donnell still out with a broken leg and Sam Byrne has joined Glentoran on loan.

 

Referee: Damien MacGraith

 

MATCH STATS

These sides last met on the 25^th of May with Dundalk coming out on top 5-0 at Oriel Park.

The first fixture between the sides at the Carlisle Grounds was slightly closer, Dundalk still winning but 2-0 on this occasion.

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 35/1; Draw 12/1; Dundalk 1/20

PREDICTION

Bray 0 – 4 Dundalk

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: John Sullivan, Hugh Douglas, Andy McGovern.

Doubtful: Evan Moran, Conor Kenna, Sean Harding.

Suspended: Darragh Gibbons.

Dundalk

Injured: Stephen O’Donnell.

Doubtful: Dean Jarvis, Karolis Chvedukas.

Suspended: None.