League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Waterford

• Dave Donnelly
• Mon, May 14 2018




BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers host Waterford in a league game originally scheduled for March but twice cancelled due to the snow (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Seagulls lost further ground in the battle to avoid relegation as they were beaten 3-1 at home by fellow strugglers Bohemians on Friday night.

Dinny Corcoran and Keith Ward fired Bohs into an early lead before Gary McCabe equalised from the spot on the stroke of half time.

Bray had chances to level in the second half before substitute Eoghan Stokes sealed the win with a spectacular strike.

Bray haven't provided team news but have a lengthy injury list including long-term absentees Hugh Douglas,John Sullivan, Aaron Greene, Jake Kelly and Darragh Noone.

Goalkeeper Aaron Dillon continues to miss out with a back injury, but full-back Lynch will return after missing the Bohs game with suspension.

 

WATERFORD

Waterford make a quick trip back to the greater Dublin area for the second time in four days following Friday night's 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers.

The Blues fielded a makeshift backline featuring only one centre-half and two wingers in the full-back slots, but led at half time through Gavan Holohan's wondergoal.

Graham Burke equalised for the Hoops as the home side took control in the second half but Waterford held out for a deserved point.

“I thought in the first half [against Shamrock Rovers] we were excellent,” Waterford manager Alan Reynolds told the club's website.

“I thought that we controlled it. Coming away from home and missing a few players isn’t ideal but I think that’s nearly the best we’ve played in the first half and I’m delighted.

"It just goes to show how far we’ve come when we are disappointed leaving Tallaght with a point but we don’t have time to pick holes in it.

“We’ve got to dust ourselves down and not dwell on things because we’ve got to be ready for the next game.

“It’s a game that probably everybody expects us to win, but we played them not so long ago and they could have been a few goals up at half time.

“We’ll have a few lads back hopefully and we’re already looking forward to it.”

Reynolds will have centre-half Dave Webster back from suspension and his defensive partner Kenny Browne could also return following a hip injury

Holohan picked up a knock in Tallaght and is rated as a doubt, while Garry Comerford and John Kavanagh are definitely out.

 

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once already this season as the Blues ran out 3-0 winners at the RSC in April thanks to two goals from Faysel Kasmi and one from Derek Daly.

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 11/2; Draw 3/1; Waterford 4/9.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1 – 3 Waterford

 

Bray Wanderers

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

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Shane Flynn.

Waterford

Injured: Garry Comerford (foot), John Kavanagh (knee).

Doubtful: Gavan Holohan.

Suspended: None.