- Paul Corcoran
- Thu, Oct 21 2021
GALWAY UNITED
The Tribesmen will be looking to secure second place in this year’s First Division when they face Bray Wanderers at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Second will play fifth in the playoffs in a few weeks time and tomorrow’s fixture could be a preview of what’s to come with Wanderers currently occupying that last playoff spot.
United are on a five game unbeaten run coming into this weekend after a 2-1 win over Wexford last Friday night.
Goals from Stephen Walsh and David Hurley saw John Caulfield’s men clinch a third win in a row as they take on their second last League game of the season this week.
“We have two league games to go; there is work to be done before we go into the playoffs,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.
“For us, this week is another game. You need to go out with your strongest team.
“I don’t think you can take your foot off the pedal, especially when you get a bit of momentum and start getting a few wins. You need to try to keep that going.”
In team news, Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning are still absent through injury while Maurice Nugent is suspended having been sent off in last week’s game.
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers are safely in the playoffs, but they still have two games to clinch a possibly more favourable opponent with the side still able to finish third at this point.
With just one win in their last five however, they could struggle with a trip to Galway and John Caulfield giving signals that he won’t be playing a weakened team in the last couple of games before the playoffs.
That being said, it’s been some time since Bray lost at Eamonn Deacy Park, over five years in fact with Galway United running out 4-0 winners that day.
Last week Bray lost out to Cabinteely at home in the Carlisle Grounds despite taking the lead in the first half through Conor Clifford.
Kevin Knight and then a Mark Byrne own goal in the second half meant that Gary Cronin’s side succumbed to the loss last Friday.
Referee: Ray Matthews
MATCH STATS
Galway United last beat Bray at home in March 2016 when they ran out 4-0 winners, Ruairí Keating was among the scorers that day and he is in line to face Wanderers on Friday night.
Stephen Walsh scored Galway United’s 2000th goal during their 2-1 win over Wexford last week.
The Tribesmen are on a five game unbeaten run coming into this weekend.
BETTING
Galway United 11/10; Draw 11/5; Bray Wanderers 11/5.
PREDICTION
Galway United 1–0 Bray Wanderers
Galway United
Injured: Francely Lomboto, Ronan Manning.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Maurice Nugent.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
