League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Cobh Ramblers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Jul 31 2020




BRAY WANDERERS 

In their second home league game of the season, Bray Wanderers play host to fellow promotion hopefuls Cobh Ramblers at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

Bray began their 2020 campaign in the worst possible way, losing 4-2 away to Pat Devlin’s Cabinteely on the opening night of the season. 

The Seagulls went 4-0 down to their Green and White counterparts in a horrendous first-half which was dogged by even worse weather conditions. 

However, Bray rallied in the second half, but it wasn’t to be as they could only claw back half of their first-half deficit. 

Building on an improved second half display at Stradbrook, the Seagulls earned a hard-fought win over Wexford a week later to improve the mood at the Carlisle Grounds. 

"We have some departures and new additions,” Gary Cronin told his club’s media team. “I'm looking forward to seeing how our new additions add to what we are trying to achieve.”

Bray have no injuries to contend with ahead of Friday’s restart, with goalkeeper Brian Maher, defender Seán McEvoy and midfielders Marlon Marishta and Callum Thompson joining in recent days. 

COBH RAMBLERS

After a mixed start to the season, Cobh will be looking to kickstart their 2020 campaign in a grand manner when they travel to face Bray Wanderers on Friday evening. 

Cobh won their most recent league game prior to the suspension of football activities, and they will be hoping they can pick up from where they left off a few months ago. 

“From everyone’s point of view we are starting off after a preseason again. We have points on the board but so does every other club,” Ashton said. 

“Bray are one of the better teams in the division and they are always challenging. We expect a tough game on Friday night. They have a squad with experience and young lads. 

“From that point of view, we know what to expect from them. We have done our homework. We are expecting a competitive game and hopefully we can come out on top.”

Cobh have yet to provide team newsbut are expected to unveil a raft of new signings on Friday morning prior to their trip to Co. Wicklow. 

Referee:Alan Patchell. 

MATCH STATS

The last meeting between the sides at the Carlisle Grounds saw Bray and Cobh play out a dramatic 3-3 draw. 

Cobh took the lead through Cian Leonard’s spot-kick before Joe Doyle levelled just after the half-time break. 

However, Stephen O’Leary put Cobh back in the league before they were once again pegged back by Bray through Dean Williams in the 86^thminute. 

Cobh would again take the lead, this time in the 89^thminute before Hugh Douglas levelled late on in injury time. 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 8/15; Draw 3/1; Cobh Ramblers 4/1.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1 - 2 Cobh Ramblers

Bray Wanderers

Injured:None.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended:None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: N/A. 

Doubtful:N/A. 

Suspended:None.