League Preview: UCD -v- Bray Wanderers
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Oct 04 2024
UCD
UCD will be looking to seal their place in the First Division playoffs on Friday night when they host Bray Wanderers (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
Willie O’Connor’s side need just two more points from their remaining three league outings to ensure a top-five finish and a shot at promotion to the Premier Division.
But having lost their last two in a row against Athlone Town (1-0) and Wexford (2-0), they must improve to achieve that.
And their chances have been hit, with Ronan Finn being issued a three-game ban for directing “Foul, abusive, insulting language towards a match official.”
Youngster Cathal McCarthy is also banned after being sent off against Wexford last weekend.
BRAY WANDERERS
With three games remaining in the normal league First Division season, Bray make the short trip to the Belfield Bowl on Friday to face play-off rivals UCD.
And the Co Wicklow club go into the contest unbeaten in their last three games. They have drawn against Wexford (0-0) and Cork City (3-3) and beaten Kerry (2-0) since their shock loss against Longford Town last month.
Ahead of their showdown with UCD in Belfield, defender Paul Murphy could return to the squad having been side-lined of late with injury but Evan Osam is rated doubtful.
A win would all but assure Bray of a top-five finish even with two remaining fixtures against Finn Harps and Cobh Ramblers to come.
Referee: Lucas Keating.
PREDICTION
UCD 1-1 Bray Wanderers
UCD
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: Ronan Finn, Cathal McCarthy.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Evan Osam.
Suspended: None.
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