League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- St Patrick's Athletic

BRAY WANDERERS

Life after Mick Cooke begins on Saturday night for Bray Wanderers when they entertain St Patrick’s Athletic at the Carlisle Grounds. Harry Kenny, Cooke’s former assistant is expected to be in charge of the Seagulls for at least the next two games after being appointed as caretaker manager. Attention will now turn back to the pitch where Kenny will be hoping to pick up a much needed win for the Premier Division’s current basement club.

Wanderers have lost six of their eight league games so far this season with only one win currently on the board. Bray did manage to book their place in the EA Sports Cup Quarter Finals earlier in the week with a 4-2 extra-time win over Leinster Senior League side, Bluebell United. Goals from Ryan Brennan, Ger Pender, Andrew Lewis and Dylan Connolly ensured that no potential upsets could materialize for the non-league club.

In terms of their recent league record, the Seagulls have lost their last three on the bounce without getting on the scoresheet with their last goals being coming in their 4-0 win over Sligo Rovers back in March.

Cooke had opted for the same core group of players for the majority of Bray’s games so far this year, many who were newly signed for the 2016 season, however they have failed to gel so it’ll be interesting to see whether Kenny will stick with a similar line-up or ring the changes.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

St Pat’s come into this fixture looking to maintain their 100 per cent away record so far this season.

Following last week’s 4-0 demolishing victory over Wexford Youths, the Saints also eliminated Dundalk from the EA Sports Cup thanks to an extra-time strike from Rory Feely.

Liam Buckley spoke to stpatsfc.com following Monday’s victory over Dundalk and spoke of his admiration for the determination demonstrated by his players during the win but noted that Bray will pose a different type of challenge for his side.

"I was really delighted with the result on Monday. We worked really hard and had to dig in to get the win, and seeing the determination and commitment from the players was fanstastic.

"However Saturday is a different competition, different game. We played out in Bray a few weeks ago in the Leinster Senior Cup and they put it up to us that night. We know the areas they are strong in so we have to get it right from our end of things and hopefully if we do that, we can get the three points."

Michael Barker signed for the Saints from Bray during the off-season and he told stpatsfc.com that he is excited with the team Buckley has put together this season.

"When you're involved in the team in games like last Monday, it's a great buzz to come away with a win over a team like Dundalk. We made a few changes to the team and we still could get a result. We know we have to keep working hard though if we're to be competing with the other teams near the top of the league."

Ahead of facing his former side, Barker was quick to stress that while the current Bray Wanderers side was different to the side he was part of last year, it was still a team very much capable of defeating St Pat’s.

"It's definitely different to be preparing for a game against Bray and getting ready for the game in the away dressing room; I'd still know a few of the lads there as well so I'll probably hear from them before the game. But you've got to put it the rest of it to one side. We're focused on the game ahead and we're trying to get the three points and keep our good run of results going."

Top scorers Christy Fagan and defender Darren Dennehy face late fitness tests while Conor O’Malley remains on the sideline. Captain Ger O’Brien, however is back in contention after resuming training this week.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

Bray’s 1-0 win over St Pat’s last season at the Carlisle Grounds put a halt to eight consecutive Saints wins over the Seagulls in all competitions.

Overall, the sides have met a total of 55 times with St Pat’s winning 37 games to Bray’s 10.

St Pat’s only away loss in all competitions this season came at the Carlisle Grounds when Bray won 3-1 in the Leinster Senior Cup last February.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 7/2; Draw 23/10; St Patrick’s Athletic 5/6.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0-3 St Patrick’s Athletic.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Conor O’Malley

Doubtful: Christy Fagan, Darren Dennehy.

Suspended: None.