Preview: Bohemians vs Bray Wanderers

• Graeme McQueen
• Thu, Apr 10 2008




Bohemians will be looking to continue their fine start to the season when they welcome Bray Wanderers to Dalymount Park on Friday night (kick-off 19.45).

The Gypsies have enjoyed their best start to a league campaign in six seasons, winning four of their opening five matches, including last week’s one nil victory over bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park. That win lifted them up to third place in the table and just one point behind early pace-setters Derry City.

Bohs manager Pat Fenlon has called on his men to put last week’s derby win to the back of their minds and ensure that there are no slip-ups against Bray. He said: "Friday night's result was great, but we only won three points. The game against Bray is just as important because there are another three points on offer. It's only right that the players should enjoy results like the last win, but we have to move on and apply ourselves equally well to face the next challenge."

Fenlon admits that if his side are to challenge for honours this season then they must look to pick up full points against the likes of Bray, particularly at home. "Bray kept a clean sheet and won last week, they have quality players right through their team. Bohemians struggled to break teams like Eddie Gormley's down last season and it will be important for us to have the right attitude and to go out and make things happen,” he said.

Fenlon has been given a welcome selection headache going into the game with the return of defender Ken Oman, who missed last week’s victory over Shamrock Rovers with flu, and Killian Brennan who is available again after missing the last three games through suspension. Long-term absentees Kevin Hunt (foot) and Thomas Heary (knee) remain sidelined.

Third from bottom Bray will also go into the game full of confidence having recorded their first win of the season against Finn Harps last Friday night. Manager Eddie Gormley is hoping that result can help kick-start the Seagulls’ season. He said: "I was delighted to get the first win of the season. It takes the pressure off the players and now they can play with more freedom.”

While Gormley admits his side go into the game as underdogs, he remains optimistic about their chances. “We are not expected to get anything out of Friday night against Bohemians but we often play to our best when we are given no chance. We will give it a good go and if we play well we will be in with a shout".

Bray have struggled for goals in the early part of the season, with Paddy Kavanagh's winner against Finn Harps their first of the campaign. Their chances of adding to that tally against Bohs have been given a blow by the news that Andrei Georgescu will again miss out with a thigh injury. Meanwhile, there are also doubts about Derek Pender (hamstring), Andy Myler (ankle),and reserve goalkeeper Gavin McInerney (knee). All three face late fitness tests. The club said Myler and Pender are expected to make it, however, McInerney is a rated as a major doubt.

Bohemians edged it last season in their meetings against the Wicklow side, winning two of the three league games and also running out 3-1 winners in the first round of the League Cup.

Referee for Friday night’s game is Hugo Whoriskey (Westmeath).