19.45 5 Jul 2013 -
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
Bray Wanderers -v- Shamrock Rovers
- Gareth O'Reilly
- Fri, Jul 05 2013
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray will be looking to bounce back from their very one sided defeat to league leaders Pats when they welcome Shamrock Rovers to the seaside on Friday evening. Kickoff is set for 7.45 pm.
The only known concern for Bray is that of David Webster who sits this one out through suspension. With an otherwise near full strength squad to pick from Pat Devlin will be hoping his team can upset the odds and pick up a result.
Bray just like before the mid season break will most likely depend highly on the goals of veteran striker Jason Byrne if they are going to push away from the relegation zone. The seagulls currently sit in 10th position in the table just three points ahead of Bohs in 11th.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Rovers make the short trip to the outskirts of the capital when for this game against Bray. Trevor Croly will be hoping that his side can continue their good recent form after recording back to back away wins in the league since the mid season break.
“In the second half we were very good. The pitch was tight and we had to play it around but once Drogheda got a little bit fatigued it made it a bit easier for us. We performed really well and there were some very good individual performances and collectively the performance was really good.”
Having had a turbulent start to the season with Shamrock Rovers many people have been left wondering what Croly has done to turn the hoops season around and send the Tallaght club the right direction in the table.
“We had a good week coming into the Drogheda game with good preparation and that is a big part of it. We will look to go and perform on Friday. If we don’t get after teams, if we don’t press well, if we don’t pass the ball well, get good crosses into the box and get shots off then we won’t win games. It is important that we continue to carry out those components of the game well.”
Despite Bray currently occupying tenth position in the table Croly will be making sure that none of his squad are taking anything for granted on Friday evening.
“Bray are a dangerous side. They have good players particularly in the front area but they have a good blend of youth and experienced players all-round the pitch. We will need to perform and maintain the recent good levels if we are to win the game.”
With the transfer window open only a couple of days the former Pats Assistant Manager has been busy trying to reshape his squads attacking options. It is unclear as to weather Eamon Zayed will be available for the game in the Carlisle grounds as the club must first await international clearance.
“I’m delighted to have got Eamon,” said Croly. “It is great for the club and it is a signing that will excite the fans. It is not that often that you can sign an international player. We are lucky in that we have lots of quality players here but he adds to the group. He will help score goals, get the other strikers goals and he will improve the team.
Even if Zayed is not cleared to play on Friday Croly will still be in a happy mood when he makes his way to Bray in the knowledge that he has no other injury or suspension issues to deal with. In the past few months defensive injuries have been a concern with limited cover available but hoops fans will be happy to know that Dan Elebert and Jason McGuinness are both back in training and available for selection once again.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
MATCH FACTS
A win for Bray could see the Seagulls overtake UCD, Drogheda and Cork into 7th place.
Rovers are on their best run of the season so far having won their last six games.
A win for Rovers could allow them to move up to fourth overtaking Dundalk in the process.
BETTING
Bray Wanderers 11/2; Draw 10/3; Shamrock Rovers 4/9.
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: David Webster.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Eamon Zayed (awaiting international clearance).
Suspended: None.
About Gareth O'Reilly
Gareth is the Editor of Extratime.ie. Gareth began as a normal reporter covering games all over Dublin before being asked to help out with behind the scene activities and eventually moving into the role of …