Preview: Bray Wanderers vs St Pats

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Thu, Mar 27 2008




Bray Wanderers host St. Patrick's Athletic in Friday night's Premier Division clash at the Carlisle Grounds.

St. Pats are currently top of the table having won all three games so far this season while Bray are bottom with one point from three games. In their last game, Pats overcame Galway 1-0 at Richmond Park. Bray got their first goals of the season on Monday night in their 3-0 League Cup victory over Athlone Town but the Seagulls are still without a goal in the league this season.

Gary McCabe and Derek Foran are both unavailable for Bray. McCabe serves a one-match ban after being sent off against Shamrock Rovers last Friday and Foran is not allowed play under the terms of his loan deal from St. Pats.

Captain Colm Tresson and striker Andy Myler are both doubtful with groin strains. Ger Rowe is also doubtful with a thigh strain. Mark Duggan, who missed the last two matches, could return for Wanderers.

Speaking before the match, Bray manager Eddie Gormley said: "We still have a few players settling in, the UCD performance was disappointing, but the players are aware of what's demanded of them and if they give me that I will have no complaints. We will respect St Pats, but we won't fear them."

Pats have less concerns in their squad. Defender Dessie Byrne after suspension. Noel Haverty, who picked up a knock playing for the reserves in midweek, and Joseph Ndo are the only injury concerns.

In the build-up to Friday‘s match, Saints boss Johnny McDonnell said: “It’s always tough going out to Bray, last season we drew 0-0 out there. They drew with Cork down in Cork and they are also coming off the back of a 3-0 win in the league cup this week so we can expect a tough match.”