St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Bray Wanderers

• Aidan Farrelly
• Thu, Oct 21 2010


St. Patrick’s Athletic will host a depleted Bray Wanderers in a significant Airtricity League tie in Richmond Park this Friday night.

Following a dramatic week of football for the Saints, manager Pete Mahon will be hoping his side can now refocus on their push for Europe. Whilst St. Pat’s have played a heart breaking 180 minutes against Shamrock Rovers since Sunday, the Seagulls have enjoyed a brief respite, with a 1-1 home draw against Drogheda United on the 10th October being the last time they lined out.

The sides have met on four occasions this season so far, with the Saints coming out on top in three of those games. If previous matches are anything to go by, the clash in Richmond Park promises goals a plenty, with an average of four being scored in the previous three encounters.

Speaking to www.stpatsfc.com, Mahon is fully aware of the importance this game holds for his side, and acknowledges the threat Bray Wanderers can offer.

“Bray are a team in form and they have had a nice little rest while we have played two very testing games.

“We can expect a very tough game so we still have to be very positive and realise the prize that Europe might offer us if we can achieve wins in our next two games.”

Both sides are forced in to a number of changes, with injuries and suspensions taking their toll on both squads. For the home side, Damian Lynch’s red card against Shamrock Rovers will most likely hand Noel Haverty a start in the defence. Ryan Guy, Dave Mulcahy and David McAllister are recovering from knocks picked up in the recent FAI Cup Semi-Final, and are doubts for Friday’s game.

The travelling Seagulls could potentially be without a worrying eight first team players, including their top scorer, Jake Kelly, who will miss the game due to hamstring trouble. Derek Prendergast picked up a serious ankle injury against Drogheda United, and this will rule him out also.

As the season draws to an end, both sides will be out to finish on a high, with the Saints hoping to make an immediate return to winning ways, piling pressure on Sligo Rovers and Sporting Final for that lucrative Europe League position.

Venue: Richmond Park, Inchicore.
Referee: D. McKeon

St. Patrick’s Athletic
Injured:
None
Doubtful: Ryan Guy, Dave Mulcahy, David McAllister.
Suspended: Damian Lynch, Ian Bermingham.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Jake Kelly, John Mulroy, Derek Prendergast, Sean Heuston.
Doubtful: Danny O’Connor, Brian Kane.
Suspended: Dane Massey, Shane O’Connor.
Extratime.ie prediction: St. Patrick’s Athletic to win 2-0.