Bray Wanderers vs Cobh Ramblers

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Fri, Oct 31 2008




Bray Wanderers host Cobh Ramblers in another relegation battle at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night. Bray need the win to guarantee safety while a win for Cobh would move them three points clear of Galway until Sunday, at least.

The Seagull's go into this game with doubts over the fitness of Philip Knight and Jake Kelly. Both players will have to undergo fitness tests on ankle and hamstring injuries respectively before they can be cleared to play.

Bray boss Eddie Gormley said before Friday's clash: With three games to go, it looks like we need another point to be mathematically safe and I want to get that as quickly as possible. We won't be going for a draw, we will go out to win the game. Cobh are on a roll at the moment and they will be a tough nut to crack."

Cobh manager Stephen Henderson will be without John kearney for the clash as he is suspended. Daryl Kavanagh is a major doubt with a groin problem and is unlikely to start. Shane Guthrie is also out with a groin injury, and has a 50/50 chance of starting. Micheal mulcorney out with hamstring problem whilst Kieran O'Reilly misses the game with an ongoing hip problem.

The match will be refereed by Dave McKeon. Kick-off is at 7.35pm. The match will also be broadcast live on RTÉ Two.

Extratime.ie prediction: Bray are an unpredictable team. In recent weeks, they've beaten Derry City and lost to Finn Harps, both at home. Cobh have been in great form of late. They are unbeaten in seven, winning four. However, Cobh remain the only side who haven't beaten Bray in the league this season. Bray have won both encounters so far this year: 1-0 in the Carlisle Grounds in May and 2-1 in St. Coleman's Park back in July. Going on form, though, Cobh should win this one, 1-0.