17.00 7 Nov 2021 -
Referee:
Playoff Preview: Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers
- Paul Corcoran
- Sat, Nov 06 2021
GALWAY UNITED
After a drab scoreless draw midweek in the playoff semi-final first leg between Galway United and Bray Wanderers fans will be hoping for a bit more excitement on Sunday evening (kick-off 5pm).
Neither side gave a great account of themselves throughout the game although Galway’s passing and attacking left a lot to be desired in particular.
That being said John Caulfield’s men may feel like they are perfectly positioned to progress with Wanderers having to travel west for the second leg.
A big crowd is expected on the Dyke Road on Sunday and John Caulfield is looking for a big performance to keep the Tribesmen’s season going.
“We are hoping to have a massive crowd on Sunday. The crowds at the last few home games have been phenomenal so hopefully that support can make the difference,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.
“It would be great for the club to have a full house this weekend – the atmosphere has been fantastic over the last few home games. There is a bit of buzz about the club but we need a big performance on Sunday. The bigger the crowd the better.
“It is all to play for in the second-leg and I always expected that; we have a lot of work to do ahead of the weekend. It is the halfway mark, it is a new game and it is knockout football so we need a big improvement for Sunday.”
There are no additional injury worries for Galway going into Sunday’s game with long term absentees Ronan Manning and Francely Lomboto the only injury concerns for the Tribesmen.
BRAY WANDERERS
Given what happened at the tail end of last season the Wanderers will be hoping they can capitalize on the scoreless draw midweek and knock Galway United out of the playoffs
Galway Untied were the boogeyman for the Wicklow club this time last year when they ended Bray’s First Division title challenge and then knocked them out of the playoffs the following week.
Wanderers haven’t won in five games at this point however, and given United’s good home record of late it could be a mammoth task that awaits for Gary Cronin’s men on Sunday.
Aaron Barry is heading into the weekend hopeful of another good turnout of Bray fans when the side take to the Banks of the Corrib this weekend.
“We could hear the fans on Wednesday and it does mean a lot to us,” Aaron Barry said, speaking to the club’s media team.
“It makes the team talk easier when you have people behind you who really believe in you.
“ Bray has a great history in the League of Ireland and we’re down in the First Division for the last few years, so hopefully we can get over the line on Sunday and then we’ll have a great chance.”
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan
MATCH STATS
Last year Galway United ended Wanderers challenge for the First Division title and then knocked them out of the playoffs the following week.
The Tribesmen are on a five game unbeaten run at home coming into this weekend’s game.
BETTING
Galway United 19/20; Draw 9/4; Bray Wanderers 12/5.
PREDICTION
Galway United 1–0 Bray Wanderers
Galway United
Injured: Ronan Manning, Francely Lomboto.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
About Paul Corcoran
Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams …