League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Waterford

• Andrew Dempsey
• Thu, Apr 27 2023




BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers put their unbeaten home record on the line this weekend when they welcome Waterford to the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Seagulls have struggled in recent weeks with costly losses against Cobh Ramblers and Galway United halting their early season momentum.

But their home form has been impressive with only Longford Town stopping them from winning all four of their games so far.

And ahead of Waterford’s visit to the Carlisle Grounds, Ian Ryan said: “We’re up against a really strong team in Waterford.

“It’s second v third, so that’s a big game.

“They are going really well under Keith. He’s an impressive manager to go with an impressive team. We’ll be up against it.

“But as we saw last month when we met down there, we’re more than capable of matching them.”

Jake Walker is expected to miss out alongside Len O’Sullivan, Eoin Farrell and midfielder Conor Crowley. Harry Groome is a doubt.

WATERFORD

Seeking another win as they look to haul in league leaders Galway United, Waterford take on the Seagulls.

Boss Keith Long has enjoyed a fine start to life in charge of the Blues, boasting a 100% win record.

And that run has been aided by the remarkable goalscoring form of striker Ronan Coughlan who has netted seven goals in his last two games for the club.

But Long is keen for his side to push on ahead of their trip to Bray on Friday night.

“We have to rest, refuel and recover to give ourselves the best opportunity to back up Monday’s performance,” he said after Monday night’s 4-1 win away to Treaty United.

“It will be very difficult against Bray. I watched them last week against Longford and I have seen them play a couple of times this year.

“They are a good side with good players. Bray is usually a nice place to play and the pitch is usually quite good.

“We’re expecting a tough game and we are looking forward to it.”

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

 

MATCH STATS

Waterford came out on top in all of the meetings between the teams last season, conceding just once against the Seagulls.

Their last two trips to the Carlisle Grounds yielded two consecutive three-goal victories – winning 3-0 and 4-1.

Bray Wanderers have not defeated the Blues in a competitive game since July 2007 when they defeated the then-called Waterford United 2-1.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0 - 2 Waterford

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Jake Walker, Conor Crowley, Eoin Farrell, Len O’Sullivan.

Doubtful: Harry Groome.

Suspended: None.

 

Waterford

Injured: Harvey Warren, Wassim Aouachria, Matthew Connor.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.