League Preview: Cork City -v- Bray Wanderers

CORK CITY

Cork City will finally get their hands on the Premier Division trophy tonight at the conclusion of their tie with Bray Wanderers at Turner's Cross (kick-off 7.45pm).

John Caulfield's side sealed the title with a scoreless draw against Derry City here ten days ago after leading the league from start to finish.

Defeat to St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park on Friday wasn't the way they'd have liked to celebrate, despite Ryan Delaney and Kieran Sadlier giving them an early 2-0 lead.

Goals from Jordi Balk, Billy Dennehy, Ian Bermingham and Kurtis Byrne completed a turnaround that leaves City with just one win from their last eight league games.

Caulfield told the club's website: “It is Bray’s last game under Harry Kenny and I am sure they will be keen to send him off with a win, considering the effort and the input he has had there.

“They are coming down here with the freedom to play, as the points are not crucial to their league position at this stage, so they will be a threat.

“They have a potent attack, with Aaron Greene and Gary McCabe both in excellent form this season and they are also very solid at the back with a top goalkeeper in Cherrie behind them.

“We will have a full house to see us accept the league trophy and we want to finish the season on a high after a phenomenal year. We want to give a top performance and win the match.”

Ryan Delaney and Greg Bolger miss out with suspension while Johnny Dunleavy and Alec Byrne continue to miss out with long-term injuries.

BRAY WANDERERS

Defeat away to Dundalk two weeks ago ended Bray's slim hopes of bringing European football to the seaside next season.

Manager Harry Kenny had already signalled his intention to stand down as manager to concentrate on his role with the FAI, but he'll have been cheered by last week's result.

The Seagulls welcome Kenny's former side Shamrock Rovers to the Carlisle Grounds and carved out a 1-0 win thanks to Aaron Greene's second-half strike.

Sitting two points and ten goals clear of Bohemians in sixth spot, Bray can effectively tie up a fifth-place finish if they manage to take their first point of the season from the champions.

Bray Wanderers have failed to provide any team news, however Ryan Brennan, Keith Buckley and Conor Kenna all miss out through suspension.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

The sides have met three times this season with City winning on each occasion.

Both league meetings have gone City's way, a 2-1 win in Cork followed up by a routine 2-0 win at the Carlisle Grounds in July.

City also got the better of Bray in their FAI Cup first round tie as Kieran Sadlier's first goal for the club was enough to separate the sides at the Carlisle.

BETTING

Cork City 1/3; Draw 4/1; Bray Wanderers 15/2.

PREDICTION

Cork City 0 – 1 Bray Wanderers

Cork City

Injured: Alec Byrne, Johnny Dunleavy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Greg Bolger, Ryan Delaney.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Ryan Brennan, Keith Buckley, Conor Kenna.