League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Bray Wanderers

CABINTEELY

Seeking a second consecutive home win, Cabinteely host fellow playoff hopefuls Bray Wanderers at Stradbrook on Friday evening (kick-off at 7.45pm).

Cabo overcame the stiff challenge of Wexford last time out with a comfortable two goal victory over the Slaneysiders.

A free kick from Luke Clucas and a late Yuta Sasaki insurance goal secured all three points for the Green and Whites who moved back into the Playoff positions.

Speaking ahead of the game with his club’s official media team, Cabinteely manager Pat Devlin is hoping his side can kickstart the final round of fixtures with a positive result at home to Bray.

“We’re now on the last furlong. It’s a big game. It’s huge. It’s big for Bray as well. The pitch is looking well. We are looking forward to the game.

“We have the addition of four new players. We’re stronger than we were. We have players back from injuries and exams. So, it’s who to leave out.

“That’s a great problem. Hopefully, we can give a good account of ourselves on Friday night.”

In terms of team news, the quartet of Conor Crowley, Kevin Knight, Karl Manahan and Christian Lotefa are all in contention to start following their arrival on Thursday afternoon.  

BRAY WANDERERS



On the back of a heart-breaking one goal defeat away to Drogheda United last time out, Bray Wanderers make the short trip to Cabinteely on Friday evening hoping to get back in the mix for a playoff position.

On their last visit to Stradbrook, the Seagulls ran out rather fortuitous three-nil winners thanks to a brace from Dylan McGlade as Dean O’Halloran added the gloss to the win for Gary Cronin’s side.

However, Bray have struggled away from home since then with only two further wins on their travels since then – with wins over Galway United and Athlone Town.

In terms of team news for the Quinsborough Road outfit, Hugh Douglas returns following suspension.

Dylan Barnett and Phillip Gannon are also both rated as doubtful for the East Coast Derby clash away to Cabinteely after picking up knocks last time out against Drogheda United.

Dean Williams and Dylan Thornton will also be available for selection on Friday evening after their recent arrivals at the club on loan from Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians respectively.



However, the duo of Dean O’Halloran and Andrew McGovern will not feature against Pat Devlin’s side having left the club this week.

O’Halloran returns to Waterford after the conclusion of his loan deal while McGovern has also left the Carlisle Grounds having struggled to find form after his horror leg break in 2018.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

 

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely have only ever faced Bray Wanderers three times in competitive action, with the first being on the opening night of the 2019 First Division.

The Seagulls have the worst away record out of the First Division’s top six with only three wins on their travels all season.

Cabo however have the worst home record of the First Division’s top six, picking up just 14 points from nine at Stradbrook.

BETTING

Cabinteely 8/5; Draw 21/10; Bray Wanderers 6/4.

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 - 0 Bray Wanderers.

 

Cabinteely

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Dylan Barnett, Phillip Gannon.

Suspended: None.