League Preview: Longford Town -v- Bray Wanderers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Apr 22 2023




LONGFORD TOWN

First Division strugglers Longford Town host Bray Wanderers at Bishopsgate on Saturday night (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

The Red and Black fell to a disappointing loss against Wexford last time out, and that loss was followed by a reversal against Treaty United a week before.

But they have at least unearthed some talents in their squad during their dismal start, with former Norwich City winger Josh Giurgi impressing so far.

And he is hoping to get Town back to winning ways on Saturday night against Bray.

“When we went to Bray previously we drew the game and it was a very good game,” Giurgi said.

“I don’t think their defeat to Galway was a true reflection of them because they have done really well so far.

“It doesn’t matter when and where teams are – it just matters about the day itself. We’ll prepare and do everything that we can to try and get the win.”

Longford Town are expected to be without Cristian Magerusan, James Doona and Derek Daly for Saturday night’s game.

BRAY WANDERERS

After losing 6-0 and 4-1 in the space of three days, Bray Wanderers must respond if they are to start looking up the table again in the First Division.

The Seagulls were defeated 6-0 by league leaders Galway United in the First Division last week, before they were dumped out of the Leinster Senior Cup by Usher Celtic.

That loss was a 4-1 humbling at the Carlisle Grounds, and head coach Ian Ryan knows his side need a reaction.

“We’ve mentioned before about the character within the squad when we’ve won games. That does not change after a couple of bad days,” he said.

“We won’t be rolling over and we won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves. We’ll come out fighting and get back on the horse to go again.

“There’s not much between the teams. Longford did really well against us at home so we know what we are up against.

“This is no disrespect to Longford or any of our other opposition, this week is about us because of the hurt that we’ve had over the couple of results.”

Bray Wanderers will be without Conor Crowley for Saturday’s clash at Bishopsgate, while trio Len O’Sullivan, Harry Groome and Eoin Farrell are major doubts.

Referee: Michael Connolly.

 

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1-2 Bray Wanderers

 

Longford Town

Injured: Cristian Magerusan, James Doona, Derek Daly.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Conor Crowley.

Doubtful: Len O’Sullivan, Eoin Farrell, Harry Groome.

Suspended: None.