Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers

Pat Devlin expects a “tough game” this Friday, 18th March, when his side plays host to Sligo Rovers in the Carlisle Grounds. Following last week’s dramatic victory over St. Patrick’s Athletic however, the Seagulls will enter the tie with confidence.

The Bit O’ Red will look to bounce back from the narrow defeat to last year’s Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers last week, in a stadium they have recently become accustomed to winning in.

Bray showed a powerful determination last week, having overturned a two goal deficit to walk away with the full three points. Two goals from substitute Conor Murphy, as well as a deflected free from Joe Kendrick sent the away fans home the happier.

Paul Cook has the job of motivating his side to bounce back from the fiery defeat to Shamrock Rovers last week. In total, eight yellow cards were dished out in a game full of action, although the home side couldn’t find the net.

Sligo Rovers travelled to the Carlisle Grounds on two occasions in last year’s campaign, winning both, and scored a total of six goals. Whilst both sides are sitting side by side in the league table, last year’s FAI Ford Cup winners would be expecting nothing less than three points in the bag to accompany them on the journey home.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Pat Devlin is aware of the strength of the Rovers squad, but believes his side has a chance of upsetting the odds two weeks in a row.

"Paul Cook has assembled a very strong squad and they will be expected to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. It will be a tough game for us but we will go into it with confidence following our fight back last Friday. We will give it our best shot.”

Venue: Carlisle Grounds, Bray.
Referee: Neil Doyle



Bray Wanderers
Injured: Stephen Brennan, Gary Shaw.
Doubtful: Chris Shields, Danny O’Connor.
Suspended: None.



Sligo Rovers
Injured: Joseph Ndo.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.



Extratime.ie Prediction: Sligo to win 2-0.