19.45 20 Apr 2015 -
Referee: Ben Connolly
League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Shamrock Rovers
- Dave Donnelly
- Mon, Apr 20 2015
BRAY WANDERERS
What a difference three weeks makes. On April Fool's Day, Bray Wanderers looked every inch the league's jokers: bottom of the table, five straight defeats and not a single goal scored, and their management team had just resigned en masse.
It's testament to the resilience of the squad, led by returning-from-injury captain David Cassidy, and the management of caretaker boss Maciej Tarnogrodski that they now sit comfortably in mid-table, having followed up thumping wins over Sligo Rovers and Limerick with a good draw in Derry.
The visit of Shamrock Rovers is Tarnogrodski's toughest challenge yet, however, and two successive clean sheets will give the home side confidence they can extend their unbeaten run to four games.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers managed to overturn a two-goal second half deficit to wrestle a draw from champions Dundalk but still arrive on the seaside smarting as they failed to take full advantage of playing most of the second half with an extra man.
David McMillan's first half goal ended Rovers' run of nine straight clean sheets at home in the league, but they remain unbeaten in 15 (their longest run in five years) while Mikey Drennan's expertly-taken brace is another positive for a side who have struggled in front of goal so far this season.
Having drawn three of the last four, Rovers boss Fenlon will be eager to get back to winning ways, and he will be aided by Keith Fahey's return from suspension, while Danny North and Luke Byrne could be considered for selection from the start after returning to the bench on Friday night.
Referee: Ben Connolly.
MATCH STATS
Bray Wanderers and Shamrock Rovers met three times in the league last season, with the Hoops winning 2-1, 3-0 and 1-0.
Rovers' record against Bray now stands at 11 games unbeaten, dating back to early 2011, when goals from Kevin O'Connor and Jake Kelly led Bray to consecutive 1-0 victories over the then-champions.
BETTING
Bray Wanderers 13/2; Draw 3/1; Shamrock Rovers 4/9.
PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 0 – 1 Shamrock Rovers
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Adam Hanlon (foot), Jack Memery (broken finger).
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: None.