League Preview: Cork City -v- Bray Wanderers

CORK CITY

Cork City will be looking to get back to winning ways on Friday evening as they host Bray Wanderers at Turner’s Cross (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Despite impressing last week against Treaty United, City fell to a costly 3-2 defeat, leaving their playoff ambitions in disarray.

“I thought the performance last week was very good, especially in the first half,” City boss Colin Healy said.

“Yes, we gave a sloppy goal away, but overall, it was good. We moved the ball around well and created plenty of chances, but we probably didn’t test the keeper enough.

“We can look back on that as a positive and take that into Friday knowing that we have to reach those standards every week going forward.”

Forward Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh added: “I don’t think that our recent results have reflected the performances.

“We’ve been playing well but little mistakes have been costing us points. Even if you look at last Friday, it was a good performance overall, but it was two penalties and a poor goal that cost us.

“There were a lot of positives in that game.”

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be looking to build on last weekend’s 2-1 win over Cobh Ramblers when they travel Leeside to take on Cork City.

Bray have shown glimpses of form in recent weeks, with striker Joe Doyle impressing for Gary Cronin’s side.

“I’m delighted, I was out at the start of the season with a bit of an injury but I’m loving it now,” Doyle told his club’s media team after his recent goalscoring run.

“The most important thing for a striker is to get goals and that’s what I’m doing.

“We didn’t get our luck the past while, but it seems to be falling for us now.

“We’re just going to focus on going down to Cork and getting a win there, keep the form going and see where we end up. Hopefully we’ll get promoted back to where we belong.”

In terms of team news, Darragh Lynch is a long-term absentee for Gary Cronin’s side as Sam Verdon and Dan Jones look set to make their first appearances for the Seagulls.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers have never taken on Cork City at Turners Cross in the First Division before, with their first meeting in the second-tier coming earlier this season in a 0-0 draw.

BETTING

Cork City 7/4; Draw 9/4; Bray Wanderers 13/10.

PREDICTION

Cork City 1 - 2 Bray Wanderers

Cork City:

Injured: George Heaven, Cian Bargary, Rob Slevin, Josh Honohan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Darragh Lynch.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.