League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Finn Harps

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Oct 20 2023




BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers boss Ian Ryan hopes his side can put on a show against Finn Harps in their final home league game of the season on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Seagulls must win against Harps, hope Athlone lose to Longford Town and also require Waterford to avoid defeat against Treaty United to secure a play-off place.

But even if those results fall their way, they need to overturn a hefty eight-goal scoring difference on fifth-place Athlone to reach the play-offs.

“I don’t think we will get concerned with any possibilities or permutations like that. We will just look to win the game,” Ryan told his club’s media team this week.

“It’s (possibly) our last game of the season and (possibly) our last game at the Carlisle Grounds this season. We want to finish well and win.

“We’ve done all right in the closing set of fixtures but still old habits have haunted us. We’ve performed well and results have gone well to a degree.

“But we still get caught with bad habits that we’ve picked up throughout the year that ultimately have cost us. This game is about finishing as best we can.”

Sean Quinn and Jake Walker are doubts while Ben Feeney is out with an injury.

FINN HARPS

After recording a stunning 4-1 win over Athlone Town last weekend, Finn Harps will look to move level on points with Longford Town when they visit the Carlisle Grounds on Friday.

The Co Donegal side sit on 36 points while Longford are in eighth on 39.

And while Longford’s far superior goal difference means Harps will finish ninth, they can take positives from last weekend’s destruction of Athlone.

Their victory ensured that the play-off race would go to the final day – but it was also significant for Harps who picked up a rare win.

And Ryan Flood also scored a hat-trick for Darren Murphy’s side as they showed a glimpse of what may come next season.

A win over Bray would give Harps a bit more hope heading into the off-season.

Referee: Daryl Carolan.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2-0 Finn Harps

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Ben Feeney.

Doubtful: Sean Quinn, Jake Walker.

Suspended: None.

 

Finn Harps

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Permutations and all that craic ahead of tomorrow night's final round of league games in the First Division. Athlone are in control of their own destiny but they could be pipped to a top-five finish by Treaty or Bray. Details (via @ExtratimeNews) 👇
https://t.co/baQt9YkbgV

— Andrew Dempsey (@AndrewDempsey98) October 19, 2023