19.45 29 Aug 2014 -
Referee: Neil Doyle
League: Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- UCD
- Gareth O'Reilly
- Thu, Aug 28 2014
BRAY WANDERERS
Expect a goal fest when Bray entertain UCD on Friday evening. As you can see below, this game is one that the bookies are almost afraid to call as the needle could swing either way when the game kicks off at 7.45pm.
Speaking in the lead up to this game, Bray Wanderers boss, Alan Matthews, has issued a rallying call to his players. With both sides only separated by two goals, a victory for either one could generate enough momentum to enable them to pull away from the relegation zone.
“Everyone knows what is at stake over the coming weeks – and it’s important that we back up our excellent performance in Cork with the right result against UCD.”
Having had the week off, due to the FAI Cup, the Seaside based squad have been afforded a bit more time to get some of their starlets back to full fitness including Jake Kelly, who has recovered from a groin injury.
However, several other members of the Seagulls playing staff have not been so lucky with Adam Hanlon, Eric McGill and Shane O'Neill all set to take their place in the stands for this clash. Meanwhile Dave Webster is still a long way off returning to the field of play due to a foot injury.
UCD
Having picked up a point last time out against Athlone, UCD will be hoping to go one better this time around and pick up a victory against their local rival in the form of Bray Wanderers.
One of the major changes this year, that Aaron Callaghan has implemented, is the increased defensive mentality of the Students although they still have managed to ship a joint league high of 53 goals to their opposition. However that tally could have been far more had it not been for the heroics of Ian Ryan over the past number of weeks.
Aaron Callaghan praised the player, saying “Ian has been brilliant for us the last few weeks. He struggled for a while during the season with a foot injury but now he is over that and has been one of our star players in the last couple of games.”
There looks set to be some great news on the injury side of things for the Belfield men with star striker Dean Clarke looking certain to return to the fold just in time for the vital relegation run in. However Mark Langtry is still recovering from a recently suffered broken ankle whilst Thomas Boyle is once again out due to further complications with his hamstring.
The UCD boss said, “I’m delighted to have Dean Clarke back in the squad since returning from his back injury. He’s a fantastic player and has that spark to change a game in an instant. Hopefully he will be able to have a big impact for us on Friday.”
Referee: Neil Doyle
MATCH FACTS
While I predict a goalfest this time round, it is worth noting that the last time these sides met the game ended scoreless.
Bray have had ten different goal scorers so far this season with Dave Scully leading the way on four goals.
The last time these two met in the windy surroundings of the Carlisle Grounds, the game ended with a 5-3 score line.
BETTING
Bray Wanderers 19/20; Draw 13/5; UCD 12/5
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 1-3 UCD
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Dave Webster (foot), Eric McGill (calf), Shane O'Neill (knee), Adam Hanlon (back)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Michael Barker
UCD
Injured: Mark Langtry (ankle), Thomas Boyle (hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
About Gareth O'Reilly
Gareth is the Editor of Extratime.ie. Gareth began as a normal reporter covering games all over Dublin before being asked to help out with behind the scene activities and eventually moving into the role of …