Looking to end on a high

2014-10-22

Bray Wanderers will want to end their season on a high with victory over Athlone Town in their final game of the season on Friday night at Lissywollen.

For the first time in a number of weeks, Seagulls boss Alan Mathews doesn't have any suspensions to worry about.

Ismahil Akinade, who missed Bray's last three outings, is once again available for selection as is defender Adam Mitchell who had to sit out last week's encounter with Dundalk.

The manager is also in the happy position of having no injury worries ahead of the game. Speaking to braywanderers.ie, Mathews said he was very pleased with his side's performance last week.

He said "I was disappointed we didn't manage to get all three points last Friday night, it was a great team performance from the lads against a side that have designs on winning the title."

He added "We will look to replicate that performance in Athlone on Friday night and finish the season on a high."

Athlone boss Keith Long, however, faces a must-win situation if his team are to gain the possibility of a reprieve via the Play-Offs. A point would do - but only if UCD are beaten at home by Drogheda at the same time.

Missing due to suspension will be defender Brian Shortall and influential midfielder Kealan Dillon. On the injury front John Mulroy is recovering from an ankle injury and it is hoped that Mark Hughes (hamstring) will also be fit despite ongoing hamstring problems.

Pretty in pink
Refs back cancer campaign

Referee Padraigh Sutton will be in charge, wearing pink laces in his boots.

All the weekend's FAI Elite Referees panel members are taking part that night in Breast Cancer Ireland’s #laceupforacure.

* Bray played Athlone Town in the League for the first time since 2004 when they visited them earlier this season. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, Stephen McGuinness saving a late penalty to earn his side a point.

* That match gave Athlone their first point of the season in Keith Long's first game in charge.

* The second meeting of the season was at the Carlisle Grounds in August and Bray's Michael Barker scored in injury time to earn a 1-1 draw.

* When Bray joined the League in 1985 it took them nine games over eleven years to record their first victory over the midlanders.

* In their last five games Athlone Town have won one, drawn two and lost two while Bray drawn three and lost two.

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