- Andrew Dempsey
- Thu, Feb 15 2024
BRAY WANDERERS
Ian Ryan will be hoping that his Seagulls side can get their First Division started with a bang on Friday night when they welcome recently relegated UCD to the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
Wanderers head into the new season with a point to prove having missed out on promotion in each of the last two campaigns - although they came close to securing a top-five finish last term.
And with full-time outfits Galway United and Waterford no longer in the second tier - confidence is high that they can impress and force their way into the promotion conversation.
But when speaking to extratime.com last week, Ryan admits he would take a play-off position if you offered it to him right now.
“Everyone else wants a play-off spot and we are in that mix,” he said. “We’ll aim for that. I think it’s wide open to be honest, bar the two that I have spoken about.
“You couldn't call who is going to come after that. A lot of it will depend on the form of individuals, injuries and hopefully we can stay on the other side of that.”
UCD
Recently relegated top-flight side UCD visit N11 rivals Bray Wanderers on Friday night on their return to the First Division.
The Students were relegated from the top-flight last season with a bit of a whimper but have added to their squad during the close-season.
While the likes of Jack Keaney, Michael Gallagher, Evan Osam, Lorcan Healy and Dara Keane have exited, Ronan Finn, Mikey McCullagh, Niall Holohan and Dara Kavanagh have all joined.
And that has given the Students an air of optimism to approach the season with.
The Sky Blues have also got Eanna Clancy and Mikey Raggett coming through the ranks - with the latter inspiring UCD to a Harding Cup win last month.
“We're looking forward to the season,” boss O’Connor told extratime.com last month.
“The boys came back and we have a brilliant hunger about us. They're raring to go and they're hungry like they're there to compete. They're there to win.
“They're there to challenge after the taste they've got in the Premier Division. That's what they want to get back to.
“That's where they want to be playing, as does every other player in the First Division.
“The First Division is going to be incredibly tough this year.
“There are some great sides in it but we'll be looking to push on and challenge and do as best we can.”
Referee: Oliver Moran.
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 0-2 UCD
Bray Wanderers
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
UCD
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
