League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Bray Wanderers

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps welcome Bray Wanderers to Finn Park for the sequel to one of the season's most entertaining, and controversial, clashes (kick-off 8pm).

The first meeting between these sides at the Carlisle Grounds finished 5-3 to the Seagulls although they could have scored more in a frantic concluding period.

Harps had gone two goals behind in dubious circumtances before the break before referee Anthony Buttimer allowed Gary McCabe to score while Harps keeper Ciaran Gallagher lay knocked out on the ground.

While a repeat of that scoreline reversed would be welcome for Ollie Horgan's side, it appears unlikely as Harps have lost their last three without scoring, including last Friday's 5-0 defeat at Cork City.

“Bray is a proper side,” said Horgan, who will watch the match from the stands after being sent off in the defeat to Bohemians two week ago.

“If Cork City weren’t so strong then they would certainly have a very big chance of winning the league this season.

“They improved in the second half of last season and have just got better again this year. They put five goals past us at the Carlisle Grounds at the end of March and are second in the table coming to play us at Finn Park.

“Adding players of the quality of Aaron Greene and Gary McCabe gives them a great chance of qualifying for Europe.

“We have our work cut out to get something from every game we play but it will be particularly difficult against Bray.”

Barry Molloy returns from suspension while goalkeeper Harry Doherty may be fit to return to the bench following his concussion in the cup defeat to Sligo Rovers.

However Harps' injury situation remains acute as BJ Banda, Jonny Bonner, Eddie Dsane, Packie Mailey and Danny Morrissey are all out and Paddy McCourt continues to play through the pain barrier as he struggles with a hip problem.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers missed their opportunity to fully capitalise on Dundalk's defeat to Shamrock Rovers as they were held to a 1-1 draw by St Patrick's Athletic at the Carlisle Grounds.

Ryan Brennan had given the Seagulls an early lead but, despite a dominant opening period, they were pegged back by Kurtis Byrne stunning second-half strike.

The result was enough, however, to move them back above the Lilywhites into second place, however they're now 14 points behind runaway leaders Cork City.

“I was disappointed to drop two points last Friday night in the Carlisle grounds v St Pats,” manager Harry Kenny told the club's website.

“I thought our performance merited the three points particularly after the chances we created in the first half.

“St Pats did have their moments and could have snatched a winner in the last few minutes of the game only for Keith Buckley's last ditch intervention.

“We travel to Finn Harps Friday looking for the three points. Our last game against Harps was a very open and entertaining affair where we came out on top with a 5-3 score line.

“Harps have signed some excellent players and we will be under no illusions that we will have to be at our best to get the three points.”

Kenny will have Hugh Douglas, Kevin Lynch and Conor Earley available again after all three returned to full training during the week.

Peter Cherrie, Darragh Noone and Ryan Robinson are doubts and will be assessed closer to kick-off while Jason Marks is suspended after his red card against Pats.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

The sides met three times in the Premier Division last season with Harps having the better of the exchanges with 1-0 and 2-1 victories at Finn Park.

Bray also won their home fixture as they secured a 1-0 win at the Carlisle Grounds in July.

BETTING

Finn Harps 11/4; Draw 27/10; Bray Wanderers 10/11.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1 – 4 Bray Wanderers

Finn Harps

Injured: BJ Banda, Jonny Bonner, Eddie Dsane, Packie Mailey, Danny Morrissey.

Doubtful: Harry Doherty, Paddy McCourt.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Peter Cherrie, Darragh Noone, Ryan Robinson.

Suspended: Jason Marks.