FAI Cup Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Finn Harps

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Aug 29 2020




BRAY WANDERERS

Gary Cronin's Bray Wanderers will be hoping to lean on the spirit of 1999 when they face Finn Harps in the second round of the FAI Cup on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).  

The Seagulls, who secured their second FAI Cup success with the win over Harps in the 1999 decider, were then managed by current Cabinteely boss Pat Devlin. 

Bray however come into the game following a scoreless draw away to Galway United – a result that sees them remain in third position in the First Division table. 

Since the restart, Bray have yet to concede a goal at the Carlisle Grounds – keeping clean sheets against Cobh Ramblers, UCD and Shamrock Rovers II. 

In terms of team news, Bray’s only injury concern for the visit of Harps to the Carlisle Grounds is central defender Aaron Barry. 

FINN HARPS

After making their way past St. Patrick’s Athletic in the first-round of the FAI Cup, Finn Harps make the trip to Co. Wicklow to face Bray Wanderers on Saturday evening. 

Harps come into the game in ninth position in the Premier Division table, and despite the difference of playing levels, Harps boss Ollie Horgan is wary of the threat that Bray pose. 

“We need to be at our best to get anything out of Bray,” Horgan told his club’s media team. 

“It's the reverse of the situation a couple of seasons ago where we were near the top of the First Division while they were near the bottom of the Premier and we managed to escape with a win after extra time.

“They have a good mix of youth and experience and a lot of Premier quality players; the likes of Kilian Cantwell were with us before and Aaron Barry has been a standout at clubs like Derry and Cork. 

“They’ll certainly be hoping to be promoted come the end of the season.”

Mark Timlin and Gareth Harkin will miss out on the match and Karl O’Sullivan and Raffaele Cretaro are both doubts. 

Referee: Robert Hennessy. 

MATCH STATS

The last time the teams met in competitive action was in the 2018 FAI Cup, where soon to be relegated Bray Wanderers fell to a 3-1 defeat after extra-time. 

Bray Wanderers have only conceded in one game since restarting their First Division campaign, with Drogheda United scoring three against Gary Cronin’s side at United Park. 

Finn Harps have yet to win back to back competitive games this season, with their last series of back to back wins coming in July of last year. 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 13/8; Draw 23/10; Finn Harps 13/10.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1 - 2 Finn Harps

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Aaron Barry.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin, Gareth Harkin.

Doubtful: Raffaele Cretaro, Karl O’Sullivan. 

Suspended: None. 

FAI Cup Round-up: Athlone Town reach first quarter-final in 14 years following eight-goal thriller with Wexford https://t.co/79FlYuwmAkpic.twitter.com/lgysDRUvgt

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 28, 2020