The Seagulls will welcome Athlone Town to the Carlisle in a huge game for both sides this Friday (16th May). For Bray, a win will take them just one point from the summit IF Cobh beat Dundalk on the same day, as the title race intensifies, every point is crucial for Bray as they chase promotion. For The Midlanders, a win could see them just one point shy of the playoffs, which would be massive considering their poor start to the season.
Form Guide
Coming into the game, Bray have won 3 of their last five, including a loss against Cobh Ramblers and a draw against Dundalk, prior to Wanderers defeat against Cobh, they had won a club record SEVEN league games in a row.
For Athlone, their recent form is quite a mixed bag, with one win against Finn Harps, three draws against Dundalk, Longford Town and Wexford and one loss against Treaty United making up their last 5 results.
Last Time Out
The sides met at the Athlone Town Stadium earlier this season, with an early goal from Conor Knight for Bray being the only difference between the sides.
Historically, the sides have faced off forty times, with the first encounter being in 1987. Bray have won 25, the sides have shared the spoils 9 times, with Athlone winning the other 9.
Prediction: I expect the game to be highly competitive and I can see it being a tight encounter. In my opinion, I think Bray will edge out The Midlanders, with a 2-1 win. My player to watch is Billy O’Neill, as he has been excellent in recent weeks and I see that continuing, his intricacy and pace on the wing could be the key to unlocking the Athlone defence and taking all three points for Bray.
Where To Watch
Tickets to the game are available on the Bray Wanderers website and the game will also be streamed live on LOI TV.