League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Bray Wanderers

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town will be looking to end their wretched run of form as they welcome Bray Wanderers to Lissywoolen on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Athlone fell to defeat last time out against Cork City – losing 2-0 at home to the Leesiders.

And that was their fourth defeat in their last five – and their sixth in their last seven leaving Adrian Carberry’s side at risk of falling away already in the promotion picture.

But they did defeat Bray Wanderers earlier this season – earning a 2-1 success at the Carlisle Grounds with a Kurtis Byrne brace.

In terms of team news for Athlone, Daniel McKenna misses out with suspension.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be looking to build on last weekend’s big 4-0 win over UCD as they take on Athlone Town.

“It’s good to get the win and a clean sheet,” Cronin said after the game last week. “We’re really pleased with the performance and reaction to last week.

“UCD are a really good side, and they like to play a certain way, like ourselves.

“When our chances came, we took them. We have bodies coming back now and there’s good competition for places. I’m delighted with the win.”

He added: “Darren (Craven) is a junior Irish international and has played in the Leinster Senior League for a number of years.

“We tried to bring him in before, but his work commitments got in the way of that, but he’s here now.

“We’re just hoping he kicks on now and scores some more goals for us. He put in a hell of a performance.” 

In terms of team news, Darragh Lynch is out with a long-term injury while Gary Shaw may be a doubt having been pulled out of action last weekend against UCD at half-time.

Referee: Michael Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town won the last meeting between the sides – winning 2-1 away from at the Carlisle Grounds.

Meanwhile, Bray Wanderers won on their last visit to Lissywoolen as they ultimately missed out on the First Division title last season.

BETTING

Athlone Town 21/10; Draw 5/2; Bray Wanderers 19/20.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1 – 2 Bray Wanderers

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Daniel McKenna.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Darragh Lynch.

Doubtful: Gary Shaw.

Suspended: None.