Bray Wanderers -v- Bohemians

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BRAY WANDERERS

The Seagulls have taken four points from their last two games and come into this game confident that they can turn in another good performance and get a result against Bohemians at the Carlisle Grounds this Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

They went 2-0 against Shamrock Rovers at home two weeks ago only to see the champions escape with a point, but made sure to take all three from their trip to Gortakeegan, coming out 1-0 winners against Monaghan United after a late Jason Byrne goal.

 

Director of football Pat Devlin said: “It was a tough game and in the end it was great to get the three points.”

 

“I’ll be looking for a similar performance from the lads against Bohs,” he said looking forward to this week’s game. “It won't be easy but we will give it our best shot.”

 



Devlin and Keith Long have a full squad to work with barring long-term absentees Stephen Brennan and Shane O’Connor, so they have plenty of options tactically and with personnel.

 

The fans and management will be hoping that the good form of Jason Byrne and Kieran Marty Waters continues. The pair have scored eight of the team’s 11 goals between them.

 

 

BOHEMIANS



Bohemians recorded what manager Aaron Callaghan called the team’s best performance of the season last week, beating Dundalk 2-0 in Oriel Park with goals from Ryan McEvoy and Peter McMahon.

 

“We went from the worst performance of the season to the best in one week,” said manager Aaron Callaghan. “It’s just one of those things. Monaghan raised their game against us with ten men and against Dundalk everything went right for us.”

 

That 2-1 defeat at home to Roddy Collins’ Monaghan United the week before will be of concern but, despite that result, Bohs have recorded three wins in their last four games after a very slow start to the season.

 

While the team is coming into good form, led by brilliant performances by midfielder Peter McMahon, Callaghan is not taking Bray lightly and thinks the teams are actually quite similar.

 

“Bray has a team similar to ourselves, with a couple of experienced players and a lot more younger players,” said Callaghan.

 

“Their form over recent weeks has been good and they have been unlucky not to get more from some of their matches. Pat Devlin always his teams well organised, well drilled and we’re expecting a tough game.”

 

And with captain Owen Heary a doubt with a hip injury and several others also missing, selection problems could limit the Gypsies.

 

Referee: Neil Doyle.

 

 

MATCH STATS

In the four meetings between the teams last season, Bohemians were unbeaten, winning three game and drawing one.
 
Of the last ten meetings between the sides, Bray have failed to record a victory, drawing three times an losing seven.
 
There hasn't been a scoreless draw between the sides since October 2010.

 

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 15/8; Draw 9/4; Bohemians 11/8.

 

PREDICTION

Both teams are showing signs of good form and will most likely match each other by playing five men across midfield. It will be tight and a 1-1 could be a good bet.

 

 

Bray Wanderers injury news: Stephen Brennan, Shane O’Connor.

Suspensions: None.

 

Bohemians injury News: Andy McNulty, Dave Mulcahy, Danny Joyce.

Unavailable: Dave Scully.

Doubtful: Owen Heary.

Suspensions: None.

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