Bray Wanderers will be hoping to build on their emphatic 4-0 dismantling of Athlone Town as they welcome Wexford FC to the Carlisle Grounds for Friday night’s South East Derby.
Recent Form
Paul Heffernan’s side thumped Athlone 4-0 last week, but before that they lost three consecutive league games. Friday’s game present a chance for Wanderers to maintain their momentum and show that they’ve gotten over their recent slump.
Wexford will feel highly motivated coming into this one, and rightly so, after they beat Kerry 4-3 with ten men after being 3-1 down at half time, becoming the first team in First Division history to do so. However, their victory over Kerry is their only win in their last five, two defeats and two draws making up the other four.
What’s On The Line
This is an crucial game for both sides, with Bray looking to edge closer to Cobh Ramblers in second, who currently sit five points clear. If Bray are to have any shot at the title, The South East Derby on Friday is a must win clash.
As for Wexford, they will be eager to claim all three points on Friday as they hunt for a playoff spot, The Slaneysiders currently sit in sixth, three points behind UCD, who are beginning to pull away with the final playoff position.
Recent Meetings
The teams have faced off twice so far this season, with Stephen Elliott’s team winning on both occasions, 2-1 at the Carslisle Grounds in May, and 2-0 at Ferrycarrig Park in gameweek two.
Historically, the teams have played eachother 32 times, with The Seagulls winning 15, Wexford winning 13, and they have played out 5 draws.
Team News
Bray Wanderers have a fully fit squad, bar Benjamin Villalobos who is currently injured. The Seagulls have also today announced the loan signing of 17 year old Matthew Britton from Shamrock Rovers, but it is yet to be seen if Friday’s South East Derby will come too soon.
For Wexford, left back Robbie McCourt is suspended after being sent off last week against Kerry, and Jack Larkin remains sidelined, after missing the entirety of the season so far. Wexford have confirmed the signings of Aji Oluwabiyi, Muhammad Haris, Pat Manning, Cian Browne and Matthew O’Brien.
Bray Wanderers Player To Watch
skipper Kilian Cantwell has rarely put a foot wrong in the green and white shirt, and his presence at the back will be vital if The Seagulls are to secure all three points tomorrow night. Cantwell has been an ever-present figure for Bray this season, starting every game, and only missing four league minutes.
First Division top scorer Mikie Rowe has been vital to Wexford’s season so far, contributing 15 goals to The Slaneysiders playoff push. If Wexford are to win tomorrow, it was almost certainly involve Mikie Rowe.
Pre Match Thoughts
This proves as the perfect chance for both teams to get a bit of momentum going for the remainder of the season. I can see it being a hard fought contest with lots of goals at either end. Bray Wanderers 2-2 Wexford FC
Where To Watch
The game will be streamed live on LOITV from 19:45 on Friday, 4th June.
Photo Credit: Paul Barrett
go raibh maith agat!