League Preview: Kerry -v- Bray Wanderers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, May 19 2023




KERRY

Billy Dennehy’s side welcome Bray Wanderers to Mounthawk Park for the first time this evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Kingdom claimed a stunning 3-2 win against Athlone Town last time out – and that was their first as a senior League of Ireland entity.

But they will be without Jonathan Hanafin, Wayne Guthrie, Junior Ankomah and Mark Carey due to long-term injuries against the Seagulls this evening.

Mark Carey is expected to return to fitness shortly, however.

Yet, last week’s win against Athlone gave the Kingdom a much-needed morale boost ahead of tonight’s clash with Bray in Tralee.

“For Bray coming down we know we’ll have to be exactly the same way because we know it’s going to be a very difficult game,” Dennehy told the Kerryman.

“They’re fighting to get into the play-offs and looking to get back on track, they’d a win on the weekend against Finn Harps so they’ll be looking to come down here and get another win.”

BRAY WANDERERS

Also fresh from a win against Finn Harps last week, Bray Wanderers make the long trip to Kerry to take on Dennehy’s side.

The Seagulls claimed a 2-0 success against Harps last week with Dane Massey and Harry Groome netting for Ian Ryan’s side.

But Ryan is expecting a difficult test against the Kingdom this evening.

“You can see they have been improving each week over the season,” he said.

“That win was coming for them probably. It’s our luck. They get the win the week before we play them.

“That adds to their value, and what they’ll bring to the game. We know it’s going to be really hard, and we’ll have to up it.

“The last couple of weeks have been very good performance wise (for us). Last week, we were able to get the win.

“It’s important that we build on that and get a bit of momentum. As good as last week’s win was, it would be better if we can top that with two in a row.”

Defender Max Murphy and Lorcan Fitzgerald are available after serving suspensions. However, Conor Crowley and striker Jake Walker are out.

Defender Len O’Sullivan has also resumed training and may feature. Playmaker Guillermo Almirall won’t feature having limped off last week against Finn Harps.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

 

PREDICTION

Kerry 0-2 Bray Wanderers

 

Kerry

Injured: Jonathan Hannafin, Wayne Guthrie, Junior Ankomah, Mark Carey.

Doubtful: Andy Quaid.

Suspended: None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Conor Crowley, Jake Walker, Guillermo Almirall.

Doubtful: Len O’Sullivan.

Suspended: None.