League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Bray Wanderers

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths will look to bounce back from the disappointing midweek loss to Bohemians with the visit of on-form Bray Wanderers to Ferrycarrig Park on Fridat evening (kick-off 8pm).

 

Youths held Derry City to a draw in their last home fixture last Friday, and will look to exhibit the same kind of resilience against a Wanderers side who have found their scoring touch of late with eight goals in their last three matches.

 

"There's no two ways about it, it's a huge game for us,” said Youths boss Shane Keegan.

 

“But so far this season we have tended to produce out when it's been most needed and I believe that will be the case again against Bray"
 

"It's hard to understate just how much of a boost it gives the players when we have a big crowd supporting us so I really want to call on the football community in Wexford to get out and get behind us for this one."

 



Keegan will have defender Lee Chin available after he signed a short-term deal earlier in the week, but Gary Delaney will miss out through injury and Stephen Last is doubtful, while Danny Ledwith and Conor O'Keeffe have left the club.

 

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers' remarkable sequence of form continued with a thumping 4-0 victory over Sligo Rovers at the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday.

 

Saturday's result means the Seagulls have lost just once – to second-placed Cork City – in their last 13 games, and seven of those have been wins, making them the league's form team.



 

Harry Kenny's side will have to do without Extratime.ie August Player of the Month Dylan Connolly, as well as John Sullivan, both of whom are suspended.

 

Kenny said: “[The win over Sligo] was antastic achievement and great to see so many young talented players coming forward.

 

“The teams brilliant run of form continues, we have a magnificent team spirit and that was obvious on Saturday night.”

 

“Wexford will be a very difficult game. They are a strong side and we are without Dylan Connolly and John Sullivan.”

 

Depending on results elsewhere, a win could lift Wanderers as high as sixth in the table, their highest position of the season.

 

 

Referee: James McKell.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Wexford Youths and Bray Wanderers have met twice already this season.

 

In the first meeting, at Ferrycarrig Park in April, Youths ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Paul Murphy.

 

In the return game at the Carlisle Grounds in July, goals from Dean Kelly, Drew Lewis and Karl Moore helped the Seagulls to a comfortable 3-0 win.

 

 

BETTING

Wexford Youths 13/5; Draw 23/10; Bray Wanderers evens.

 

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 1 - 0 Bray Wanderers

 

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Gary Delaney.

Doubtful: Stephen Last.

Suspended: None.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Dylan Connolly, John Sullivan.