17.45 11 Apr 2015 -
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Limerick
- Tom Clancy
- Sat, Apr 11 2015
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers chase back-to-back SSE Airtricity League victories for the first time since October 2013 when they welcome winless Limerick. Kick-off at the Carlisle Grounds is 5.45pm.
Despite parting ways with Alan Matthews last week, Wanderers got their first victory of the season Maciej Tarnogrodzki led them to victory in Sligo Rovers in what turned out to be a great Friday for the Wicklow Club.
The Pole, who is caretaker manager will desire similar in an intriguing tie. Adam Mitchell (suspended) and Dave Scully (knee) look set to be the only two unavailable.
A David Cassidy hat trick was key as Bray won in Sligo but one would imagine that their home form will be crucial as they bid to beat the drop for yet another season
This game, though it will be tense, may still be open as both sides are well aware of what a victory can do for their long-term ambitions.
LIMERICK
The.visitors also arrive after a positive result last weekend. Paul O’Conor headed home a deserved equaliser against Champions Dundalk. That late leveller will surely instil belief and confidence in a group that have been widely tipped to return to the First Division.
The lack of a clean sheet will be a concern, but Paudie O’Connor and Sean Harding put in decent performances to help limit a Dundalk onslaught.
Martin Russell has a clean bill of health for the trip to the seaside in a game where three points for either side will be a massive step forward. The loser, if there is one, will be tied with Galway United, who are currently bottom.
Despite their lack of a shutout at the back, Limerick have clearly improved since the opening games, where early goals rocked them back against Bohemians and Cork. But encouraging displays, without a win, makes them slight favourites with the bookies.
At the other end of the park, Limerick have scored off a throw-in a direct free-kick as well as a penalty, but with a grafter in Dean Clarke, its clear that more goals are not that far away, even if the ex-UCD man has yet to find the net.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
MATCH STATS
Captains David Cassidy and Shane Duggan were both sent off as Limerick and Bray drew 0-0 on the opening day of last season.
Limerick won the last meeting between the sides 4-1, as Rory Gaffney helped himself to a hat trick.
Limerick have failed to win in their last 7, their longest run since returning to the top flight.
BETTING
Bray Wanderers 6/4 Draw 23/10 Limerick 9/5
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 1-2 Limerick
Bray Wanderers
Injured: None
Doubtful: Dave Scully
Suspended: Adam Mitchell
Limerick
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
About Tom Clancy
Introduced to the League of Ireland in 2005, Tom has seen Limerick play at four different grounds down the years. He began writing for Extratime in late 2013 and was delighted to report on the …