Bray Wanderers Match Preview
League of Ireland First Division
Kerry FC
Friday February 24, Carlisle Grounds
Kick-off 7.45pm
History will be made on Friday as Bray host First Division newcomers Kerry for the very first time at the Carlisle Grounds.
Having recorded an opening day 1-0 win over Treaty United, Head Coach Ian Ryan is hoping for a bumper crowd by the seaside to spur on the Seagulls.
“We are really looking forward to the game, and hopefully we get a good crowd. We had a good little group in Limerick last week, cheering us on. Hopefully, they’ll be back with a lot more people.”
He added “We’re excited. It’s going to be another historic occasion for Kerry. But we’ll hope to do our own business.”
The visitors went down 2-0 at home to Cobh Ramblers in their first League of Ireland fixture. And will be aiming to bounce back in their first ever away contest.
But Ryan insisted the Wicklow outfit can only worry about themselves.
“It’s the same ever week. We respect the opposition. We welcome Kerry; it’s great to have them in the League. But they are in our way this week. And we need to do our business. We did well last week, but we can be better. Hopefully, we will be.”
Ahead of the first home tie at the Carlisle since October 2022, the Head Coach stressed “It’s a new era for us. What we want to do is make Bray a difficult place to come. For the home fans, hopefully it will be an exciting year for us. We want to do well. We will work hard for our guarantee. But it’s important we start well and build on last week’s result.”
Team News
Although team captain Dave Webster and winger Darren Craven are back training with the squad, both are not expected until back in action until March.
“The squad is the same. Everybody is fit. The lads who are coming back are building up a bit of fitness. They are still a bit off. Other than that, everybody is good to go,” said Ryan.