League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Cobh Ramblers

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be looking to profit on any possible slip up by fourth placed Cabinteely when they host Cobh Ramblers at the Carlisle Grounds this evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Gary Cronin’s side turned in a spirited display last time out against St Patrick’s Athletic in the FAI Cup, but they ultimately fell short at Richmond Park.

The Seagulls took the lead before they were pegged back by two goals from Glen McAuley and David Webster to send the First Division playoff hopefuls out of the competition.

The Quinsborough Road outfit’s home form has been quite impressive this term, securing 25 points out of a possible 33.

However, it has been their away form which has seen the Co. Wicklow side struggle to gather any sort of consistency towards a top of the table finish.

Bray are also unbeaten at home since the start of June when they fell to a narrow one-nil defeat at home to Shelbourne at the Carlisle Grounds.

Gary Cronin’s side have not released any team news ahead of the visit of the Co. Cork side.

COBH RAMBLERS

A resurgent Cobh Ramblers will be looking to all, but end Bray Wanderers slim playoff hopes when they make the trip to Co. Wicklow on Friday evening.

Stuart Ashton has seen his side secure wins over the likes of Limerick and Shelbourne in recent weeks and they will be looking to add Gary Cronin’s side to their list of scalps.

Ramblers come into the Friday night showdown by the seaside having been defeated by Dundalk in the FAI Cup last time out.

Georgie Kelly’s winner was enough to see the Lilywhites through who had to battle gamely against a hungry and well-organised Cobh.

The defeat means that the Co. Cork side have only four competitive games left this season, with just two at home.

Ramblers still have a realistic chance of catching up with a faltering Limerick in the league table, lying just three points behind their Munster rivals.

Cobh have not released any team news ahead of their trip to the East Coast.

Referee: Alan Carey.

MATCH STATS

This will be the third sides the two sides have met so far this season, with both winning on one occasion.

The Seagulls secured victory at the hands of Cobh at the Carlisle Grounds thanks to a Joe Doyle first half winner for Gary Cronin’s side.

However, the Rams secured victory in the most recent meeting between the two sides. Cobh won out on a slender one goal margin – with Ian Turner’s goal before the hour mark proving decisive.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 4/7; Draw 11/4; Cobh Ramblers 7/2.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2 - 0 Cobh Ramblers

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.