Bray Wanderers Match Preview
League of Ireland First Division
Athlone Town
Friday April 7, Carlisle Grounds
Kick-off 7.45pm
Bray return to the Carlisle on Friday looking for a positive reaction to their first loss of the season as they host Athlone Town.
The Seagulls suffered a first defeat in eight matches in all competitions last week when going down narrowly away to Cobh.
Head Coach Ian Ryan stated afterwards that places were now up for grabs.
“That still stands. We’re down on numbers probably. There has to be hurt from losing a game, although we started really well. It has to mean something. We want a reaction from everyone; whoever is on the pitch.”
Two points separate the sides as the Midlanders come to Wicklow with two away victories already this season. But Wanderers are undefeated by the seaside in four outings in 2023.
“We’re expecting a tight but good game. We’ve watched them. They’ve attacking players, particularly the people they have brought in from America. Those players are really exciting and look as good as anybody in the league. We will have to be right defensively. And then try to force our game on them” declared Ryan.
TEAM NEWS
With goalkeeper Alex Moody set to serve a one-match ban, Stephen McGuinness or Jack Ross are expected to take over between the posts.
Acting skipper Dane Massey, Len O’Sullivan, Eoin Farrell, and Joe Power are also carrying knocks and will be assessed before kick-off.
“We will miss Alex this week. But have two capable keepers standing by,” said Ryan.
“We have moved to grass from Astro in recent times, and with that time of the year, we’ve a couple of niggles on Len, Eoin, Joe, and Dane. We’ll make a late calls on all of them”.
With skipper Dave Webster and midfielder Darren Craven still building up fitness, both will not feature.
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