League Preview: Cork City -v- Bray Wanderers

• Dylan O'Connell
• Fri, Oct 26 2018




CORK CITY

Cork City look to see out the 2018 league season at Turners Cross tonight with the visit of already relegated Bray Wanderers (kick off 7:45pm).

In what was a difficult 2018 for City; the Rebel Army succumbed their champions tag to Dundalk in recent weeks, following a mixed season which has been salvaged through European qualification and a cup run to be decided in next Sunday’s Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup final. Form has been regained in the closing weeks of the season. Draws against Shamrock Rovers accompanied with wins against Limerick and Derry have soothed out the league season.

“We have had good intensity and we have had some very good performances over the last month or so, and we want to continue that.” Caulfield opened.

At the helm of the fan run club; Caulfield was keen to call for a strong show from the Cork public before next Sunday’s decider, 

“The FAI Cup Final is to come the following week, it is an opportunity for the supporters to turn out and wish the players well ahead of the cup final, and the players will do a lap of honour at the end of the game to thank the fans for their support all season. It is nice for the players to have the opportunity to show their appreciation for the wonderful support we have had as well.”

Going into team news, Caulfield ruled out Johnny Dunleavy and Colm Horgan, but there was a boost as Conor McCormack returns from suspension.

 

BRAY WANDERERS

Fresh from his first win in charge of the Seagulls, Gary Cronin and his side now travel to Cork looking for their first point on Leeside since 2014 and a first league win since 2013.

John Sullivan’s dramatic injury time header on Monday evening gave Bray all the three points as they saw passed Derry City 2-1 at the Showgrounds. Already relegated, the result was a relief to Gary Cronin who’s side rejoiced with local schoolboys sides and fans at full time.

 

Referee: Sean Grant.

 

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers have not got a point at the Cross since 2014, in a game which saw Wanderers strike first thanks to Gareth McDonagh before Gary Buckley equalized with half an hour to play.

Their last league win in Cork was in 2013, when a struggling City where downed 3-1 through goals from John Mulroy and a brace from Marty Waters giving the Seagulls the three points.

Tonight is also the third team in succession with the sides meeting on the final game of the season. In 2016, Bray beat City 4-1 at the Carsile Grounds, while in 2017 a Conor McCormack first half strike gave City a 1-0 win as they went on to lift the title on the same evening.

 

BETTING

Cork City 1/10; Draw 8/1; Bray Wanderers 20/1.

 

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-0 Bray Wanderers.

 

Cork City:

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy, Colm Horgan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.  

 

Bray Wanderers:

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: Unknown.