League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Waterford

Blues boss Keith Long

Blues boss Keith Long Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers boss Ian Ryan has called on his side to rise to the challenge when they host Waterford on Friday night at the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Seagulls sit just outside the play-off places and will require an upturn in form if they are to sneak back into the top-five.

But last week’s narrow FAI Cup defeat against Dundalk has given them a new lease of life.

“It’s an exciting time of the year,” Ryan said. “It’s what we’ve looked forward to – that we’re still involved in the mix.

“We’ve got nine massive games to play. We’re looking forward to the battles ahead.

“We don’t need to worry about anyone else because everything there is within what we can do.

“It’s what we can control. There’s 27 points to play for. We know what we must do.”

WATERFORD

Waterford boss Keith Long insists that his side must improve from Monday night’s horror-show against Cork City in the FAI Cup.



The Blues were dismantled 3-0 by Cork City at Turner’s Cross, ending their hopes of reaching the last-eight of the competition.

And Long said: “Monday [v Cork City] was very disappointing. Conceding so early we never gave ourselves a chance.

“We didn’t work the goalkeeper enough in the game with the possession we had and conceded some poor goals, so we need to iron that out and be better as a team.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and have to pick ourselves up now.

“Bray will be a tough game on Friday before another challenging game away to Treaty on Monday so we have to be ready for a quick turnaround and look to get back to the good recent form we’ve had in the league.”

Referee: Oliver Moran.



 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0-2 Waterford

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Chris Lyons, Yoyo Mahdy, Conor Davis.

Unavailable: Matthew Connor.

Suspended: None.

 

Waterford

Injured: Harry Nevin, Barry Baggley, Ronan Coughlan.

Doubtful: Shane Griffin.

Suspended: None.

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