League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Cork City

BRAY WANDERERS

It has been a strange campaign for the seagulls so far, and despite only losing once, they find themselves in the bottom half ahead of the visit of Cork City on Friday (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

The concession of late penalties at Shels and Cobh cost them victories in both games. The game at St. Colman’s Park did see yet another fine goal from Brandon Kavanagh.

The loanee from Shamrock Rovers has impressed so far in his outings. Speaking during the week he feels that results will start picking up.

“We know what we want to do, we know how to play. We just have to keep going, it’s a sticky patch but once we get through it and get all the boys back, we’ll be fine.”

Andrew Quinn and former city player Aaron Barry both performed well at the centre of the defence last weekend. Both will be expected to start again.

Gary Cronin might look at freshening up their attack as Gary Shaw regains his fitness.

CORK CITY

The sense of frustration Bray are feeling can only be multiplied by Colin Healy.

Expected to be amongst the promotion shake-up, they are currently languishing near the foot of the table. Last week’s defeat to Treaty was their fourth in a row.

The City boss recognises the pressure is on him.

“In this job you are always under pressure, this is a big club which has high standards, we know that four defeats in a row is not good enough for this club”.

He has urged the City fans to remain faithful though.

“We know these are difficult times at the moment, we are doing all we can inside in the training ground, so hopefully things will turn around for us sooner rather than later.”

The side is boosted by the return of Jack Walsh from his suspension last weekend. Healy might decide to bring him back in or stick with O’Brien-Whitmarsh who led the line in his absence.

Referee: Michael Connolly.

MATCH STATS

This will be the first league meeting between the sides since 2018. The visitors gained a clean sweep during a season which saw Bray finish bottom and City runners-up. Neither side have played each so far at this level.  

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 11/10, Draw 23/10, Cork City 21/10

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2-2 Cork City

Bray Wanderers

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Charlie Gallagher

Suspended: Ryan Graydon

Cork City

Injured: Steven Beattie, Josh Honohan and Cory Galvin

Doubtful: Gearoid Morrissey and Rob Slevin

Suspended: N/A