League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- UCD

Bray Wanderers and Ireland under-21 keeper Brian Maher

Bray Wanderers and Ireland under-21 keeper Brian Maher Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be looking to bounce back from two successive defeats when they welcome UCD to the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

The Seagulls saw their title hopes disintegrate last week after their resounding 4-1 defeat at home to Shelbourne.

Wanderers are now 13 points behind the Reds who occupy top spot and are also four points behind Cabinteely who are in fourth.

And after his sides defeat last weekend, Cronin said that his side must look after their own fate as they look to get back on track.

“Whatever happens to them (Shels), we just need to look after ourselves and make sure we’re in the shake-up at the end of the season.

“We’re well positioned to do that, but we need to put results together.”

He also confirmed that he will be looking to add to his ranks in next month’s transfer market.

“We need more competition for places,” he said. “There’s no question about that, and you can see that from our team sheet.

“The depth just isn’t there and we need to bring in the right kind of people to help that competition for places and drive us on.



“I’m sure there will be other teams looking to do the same, but we will be looking to add to what we have.”

Darragh Lynch remains out with an injury for Bray ahead of Friday’s clash against UCD.

UCD

After suffering their own setback last week, UCD will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

The Students fell to a costly 2-1 defeat at home to Cobh Ramblers last time out – leaving them eight points behind league leaders Shelbourne.

Irish under-21 international Colm Whelan did get on the scoresheet for Andy Myler’s side, but it was not enough as they were seen off by a quickfire Jake Hegarty brace.



The defeat was their second on the spin after losing before the break away to Shelbourne by three goals to one.

They have also struggled in recent times against Bray – and they lost both games against the Seagulls last season, 2-0 and 3-1 respectively.

In terms of team news, Paul Doyle returns from suspension for the visitors, while Evan Farrell has left the club.

Referee: Jason Mannix.

 

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers have a better defensive record than UCD this season – with Gary Cronin’s side only conceding 13 so far this season, with the Students coughing up 14.

Andy Myler’s side are the joint-highest scorers in the First Division – scoring 26 goals in their opening 11 games.

UCD have not defeated Bray Wanderers at home in their previous six attempts competitively, with their most recent win over the Seagulls at the Bowl coming in 2012.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 11/10; Draw 12/5; UCD 2/1.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1 - 2 UCD

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Darragh Lynch.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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