Mathews issues challenge to his players

2014-08-28

Wanderers manager Alan Mathews has challenged his players to back up their excellent performance in Cork last time out with victory in this important clash with UCD.

A battling display by the Seagulls earned them a point in a 1-1 draw at Turners Cross – despite being a man down for more an hour of the game.

Victory on Friday would take Bray above the Students and into 10th spot in the league and would be a massive step towards ensuring Premier Division survival for the Co Wicklow club.

Mathews said: “Everyone knows what is at stake over the coming weeks – and it’s important that we back up our excellent performance in Cork with the right result against UCD.”

The Seagulls’ manager had hoped his team’s non-involvement in the FAI Ford Cup last weekend would have been a blessing and allowed time for injured players to recover and become available for the UCD match.

That is the case for Jake Kelly – who has recovered from his groin injury and is included in the squad – but several other players are still missing.

Long-term injury victim Dave Webster, who has had a foot injury, is unlikely to be ready, while Adam Hanlon (back), Eric McGill (calf) and Shane O’Neill (knee) – all of whom missed the Cork game – have still not recovered sufficiently from their injuries to be available.

In addition, Michael Barker is suspended because of his sending off Cork.

Stats

· The last meeting between the sides at Belfield Bowl in May, which ended in a scoreless draw, was the first draw between these sides in competition in 36 meetings and the first scoreless draw since June 2003 at Belfield.

· UCD won the last meeting between the sides at the Carlisle Grounds 5-3.

· Ten different players have scored for Bray in the League this season, Dave Scully is top scorer with four goals and Jake Kelly and David Cassidy have three each.

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