Bray Wanderers -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

• P.J. Murray
• Fri, Aug 13 2010


Bottom host top on Friday night as Pats will look to consolidate a lead at the head of the Airtricity Premier Division. (kick off 7.45pm)

Director of Football at Bray Pat Devlin is expected to take charge of the Seagulls after Eddie Gormley called time on his management career at the club earlier in the week.

Devlin previously managed the club to FAI cup glory in 1990 and again in 1999 having also bagged three First Division titles in 1986, 1996 and 2000.

Bray have only beaten Pats once in their last 18 meetings in all competitions, that win coming in April last season when they stunned the Inchicore side with a 2-1 win at the Carlisle grounds. Current Pats player Paul Byrne scored the winner on the night.

In three meetings of the sides this season Bray have failed to take a single point or even score against the Dublin side as Pats have run out comfortable winners in their clashes. Winning 4-0 in April at the Carlisle Grounds before a 2-0 at Richmond in the EA Sports cup and most recently a 3-0 win again in Dublin in a league match.

After coming from 1-0 down Bray were beaten by a ten man Sligo Rovers side last week in Wicklow. The homeside lost influential Danny O’Connor before the kick off but looked to be in with a shout after Jake Kelly equalised but they eventually succumbed to a stronger Sligo outfit.

Meanwhile Pats ran out 2-0 winners at home to a depleted Drogheda United at Richmond on Friday night. Pats hit the Boynesiders twice in the first half and despite a spirited display for the largely inexperienced visitors Mahon’s side held out for the win.

Along with long term injury victims Richie Baker and David Tyrrell, Bray will have Graham Kelly(hamstring), Danny O'Connor(back), Adam Mitchell(hamstring) and Chris Shields(suspended) all sidelined for the visit.

There are also doubts about striker Shane O'Neill(hamstring) and Dane Massey who picked up a knock in the game against Bohemians, but it is hoped that both will be fit to take their places in the starting line-up, but no decision will be made until the last minute.

Both Damian Lynch and Paul Byrne were withdrawn from the squad who faced Drogheda through injury and Pete Mahon must wait to see who will be available for Friday's encounter. Influential winger Ryan Guy will not be travelling as he is suspended while Mahon will also have to await the fitness of Brian Cash and Stuart Byrne who are carrying knocks. Gareth Coughlan is the only definite absentee for Pats.

Bray Wanderers
Injured: Richie Baker, David Tyrrell, Graham Kelly, Danny O'Connor, Adam Mitchell br />Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Chris Shields

St Pats
Injured: Gareth Coughlan
Doubtful: Damian Lynch, Paul Byrne, Brian Cash, Stuart Byrne
Suspended: Ryan Guy

Referee: N Doyle

Extratime prediction: Bray to continue their goalless streak and lose 3-0