Betting Tips: Sligo Away

After a great start to the season last Friday, Bray travel up to Sligo to face the champions. Kick off in the showgrounds is 7:45 on Saturday.Last week one of our tips was Jayo FGS @4/1. Hope you backed it.
This will be a very difficult game for Bray and I personally would be happy with a draw.However if we can take 3 points home it will be an excellent result. Bearing that in mind here are this weeks betting odd's and tips.

• If you are very optimistic about our chances in Sligo you can back the wanderers to win @10/1.
• If like me you think a draw is a possible outcome well you can get that @15/4.
• Another narrow 1-0 win this week ?? 25/1 
• Jayo was FGS last week. This week you can get him @12/1.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Its a tough one this week. It will be hard to come home with anything more than a draw. For the reason the tip of the week is Sligo half time &Draw full time @ 19/1.

Bray Wanderers 1-0 Shelbourne

Bray Wanderers 1-0 Shelbourne

Pat Devlin will be happy with 3 points to kick start the season but he may feel that Bray could have added to their one goal win. While his counterpart Alan Matthews is facing a very difficult season at the helm at Shelbourne after he witnessed more indiscipline from his side.

Prior to the first half’s main talking point, both sides were limited in their chances. Gary Dempsey forcing shels keeper Ger Hanley into a fingertip save and Darren Quigley in the Bray goal being called into action by Robert Bayly.

On the 28th minute the complexion of the game changed as former Drogheda United captain Paul Crowley was shown a straight red card by referee Padraigh Sutton for a two footed studs up lunge on Bray’s Daire Doyle. Thankfully following some treatment Doyle was able to continue. Bray began to take advantage of their numerical advantage with Marty Waters tormenting the Shelbourne defence. Shelbourne were dealt a 2nd blow in as many minutes as captain Glen Cronin suffered a reoccurrence of an ankle injury which kept him out of shells preseason games.

Shelbourne came out after the break looking very solid in defence, but this good work was nearly undone after Alex Prizeman gifted the ball to Jason Byrne whose attempted lob was blocked by Hanley. This was to be a sign of things to come as Bray began to take control. Bray thought they had taken the lead on the 67th minute through Jason Byrne but their celebrations were short lived with the raising of the offside flag. Moments later Byrne would open his account for the season and give the seagulls the lead after he got onto the end of a Marty Waters cross from the left hand side. Byrne once again coming back to haunt his former employers.

Shelbourne rallied after conceding the goal but to no avail. Darren Quigley was forced to save a Philly Hughes header off the line. Bray defender Kevin Knight then blocked a goal bound effort from Hughes on the 80th minute. With Shels committing bodies forward Bray’s Shane O’Neill hit the shels defence on the counter attack. Having passed two defenders and one on one with the keeper O’Neill looked to have been bundled to the ground by the tracking back defender but referee Padraigh Sutton booked O’Neill for diving. Bray could have made the result all the more secure when Akinade closed down Hanley but lost his footing allowing Hanley to recover a smother the ball before the Bray striker could take the shot on an open goal.

Bray Wanderers: 1 Quigley; 14 Hyland, 4 D O'Connor (12 Earley ’85), 2 Webster, 3 Knight; 8 Doyle (9 Akinade ’62), 6 Dempsey, 7 K O'Connor, 16 Zambra, 11 Waters; 10 Byrne (O'Neill ‘74).

Subs: 18 Mulroy, 21 Malone, 22 Thomas, 25 Holmes.

Booked: O’Neill.

Shelbourne: 12 Hanley, 18 Cornwall (2 Shortall ’74), 5 Gartland, 23 Ryan, 3 Memery; 11 Hanlon, 6 Cronin (16 Hurley ’43), 8 Crowley, 14 Bayly, 19 Prizeman (15 Leech ’74); 9 Hughes.

Subs: 1 Burdon, 7 Brennan, 10 Kelly, 21 Mooney.

Booked: Cronin, Hurley, Bayly.

Sent-off: Crowley.

Attendance: 1,600 EST

Wanderers Weekly Betting Tips : Shelbourne (Home)

Here we go with this season's first betting section. Odds are with thanks to www.paddypower.com and are accurate as on today (Wednesday 6th). I have checked other bookies and most are offering the same odds with only a few cent in the difference.

• Bray Wanderers to win 15/8
• Bray Wanderers Half time & Full time 4/1
• Jason Byrne First goalscorer 5/1
• If you fancy Gary Dempsey to score on his first competitive game back in green and white he is available at 4/1 to score anytime.
• Bray to win and Marty Waters anytime 9/2.

These are just tips but the Wanderers Weekly tip of the week is what I will be backing myself.

TIP OF THE WEEK: 

• Bray Wanderers to win 2-1 , 9/1. Well worth a few euro in my opinion. 

Wanderers Weekly Season Preview

The new season is nearly upon us with only one week until the big kick off, and I for one can't wait for 7:45 next Friday night.
Wanderers will be looking to put the disappointment of the 2nd half of last season firmly behind them, as it was this period which saw the wanderers being dragged into the relegation dogfight.
The off season for Bray has been a success, although we lost players like Dane Massey & Sean Houston, we have brought back Gary Dempsey among others while keeping hold of Jason Byrne & Marty Waters for another season.
While the club have had a number of plays on trial in the pre-season games, this preview only features those confirmed as signed.
GOALKEEPERS
Bray have once again kept hold of experienced number 1 Darren Quigley. Darren brings a wealth of professionalism and organisation to the back line which will be invaluable as the season progresses.
Sean Holmes signs from LSL side Cherry Orchard. Sean will be Darren's understudy for the new season, replacing Brian Kane who it is expected cannot commit to the wanderers due to work commitments.

DEFENDERS
Bray have a good back line going into the new season. The back four against Waterford consisted of Hyland, O'Connor,Webster & Knight looked calm and composed whenever faced with danger. They weren't afraid to play the ball on the ground between them which was a pleasure to watch. Adam Mitchell has once again signed on and his experience will help the younger lads in the squad. Lets not forget Shane O'Connor who was ever present in the Bray team last season, he will have a big role to play again this season.While Patsy Malone who was an ever present feature in the Wexford Youths team last year links up with the Wanderers.

MIDFIELDERS
This is possibly Bray's strongest area of the squad this season. Danny O'Connor can play in midfield but has recently been converted to a central defender, his versatility will come in handy as the season progresses. From last years squad we retain the experienced Daire Doyle who has looked in great form ahead of the upcoming season. The seagulls also managed to keep hold of Kevin O'Connor, John Mulroy & Dean Zambra. Conor Earley has stood out in preseason and one to watch for the coming season, his link up play with those around him has looked first class. Let's not forget the return of Gary Dempsey, 3 assists against Waterford showed us that he still has got what it takes to play at the highest level.

STRIKERS
Marty Waters can play on the wing but its well known that he loves to play up front and i feel this is where he could have a big role this season. Finishing just behind Jason Byrne in the race for the golden boot last season , the seagulls were lucky to hold onto such an exciting prospect after his first full season at the highest level. Waters will again be able to link up with Wanderers legend Jason Byrne this season. It never looked in doubt that Jayo wouldn't continue again this season and his goals as ever will prove vital to Bray. Shane O'Neill also returns to the Carlisle following his departure to Dundalk last year. However he returns to the wanderers for the 2013 season having endured a torrid time at the lillywhites after manager Sean Mc Caffery left the club & financial restircitions meant he was let go. However for some reason his move back to the wanderers in the summer was blocked and he finished out the season with LSL side Wayside Celtic.

CONCLUSION
Many "Pundits" have tipped Bray to be battling for safety again this year. However having looked at the squads of what would be described as our nearest rivals, I feel that we have stronger and more experienced squads than those around us. We will as ever shock some of the top sides. My prediction is a comfortable mid-table finish. As for the cups, In the LSC we will as ever see youth get their chance to show what they can do.In the EA Sports Cup its hard to tell as we don't know opponent in the next round having received as first round bye. In the FAI Cup I say it every year that I'd love a cup run but I have a good feeling about this year. We could go far with some luck.
All that's left for me to say is, BRING ON THE NEW SEASON.

The Fans Corner: Hopes for the season

With the new season nearly upon us (48 hours away at the time of writing) I felt it was a good time to begin Wanderers Weekly's build up to the new season and where better to start then with the views of the fans and ourselves of course. I hope to add more articles to this in the next day or so.

Loyal Bray fan "Tubes" Murphy says:
"There is every reason this year to be optimistic for the upcoming season. After the transition of last season where alot of 1st team players had to leave the club, there is a real good factor this year around the Carlisle that the club can emulate the 6th place finish and Setanta Sports Cup qualification of the 2010 season, this optimism is backed with the bulk of last years squad staying at the seaside along with return of Gary Dempsey and Shane O Neil".

"There will be tricky times during the season with suspensions and injuries but if the team can show their never die attitude which they are known for then there is no reason why this season cant be a successful one and hopefully we get to enjoy a good cup run".

Carlisle Ground regular and away day beer tasting expert Conor Caulfield says:

So that time of year is upon us again. The first game of the new season approaches and brings with it a cacophony of hopes and dreams for a progressive season. The expectation of a good cup run, will this year be our year? Will we flirt with Europe, embrace mid-table mediocrity or will it be another classic relegation dogfight?

Of course these early season fancies are regularly dispelled under a cloud of abject inadequacy within the first two months, but on the first day of the new season this matters not. Today is a celebration of getting that little void left by the off season filled, and up until kick off nothing can go wrong. In the pub before hand talk of expectations, predictions and how the new signings will fare, coupled with the fact that the departed players were useless anyway are the hot topics of conversation as the first pints of the new season are exterminated.

This season promises to be an extremely exciting one, as a lot of the believed lesser sides are very well matched. Bohemians, Shelbourne and Ucd will be perceived to be in a mini league with Bray, culminating in the top two surviving and the bottom two facing a playoff and relegation respectively. But it is a distinct possibility that other teams could be sucked into that group. Will Drogheda suffer from a type of second season syndrome under Mick Cook? (Well he’s been there three seasons but this is the second season with “his team” in place, you get the point I’m making) Will Stephen Kenny make the same mistakes he did with his supremely talented yet massively under achieving Shamrock Rovers side last season with his current charges Dundalk? Will Limerick adapt to the pressures of the Premier Division and no longer being a big fish in a small pond? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly have a role to play in the relegation shake up.

Concentrating on Wanderers, the spine of the team looks stronger than it has in recent years. With a solid experienced goalkeeper in Darren Quigley, along with the rock at the back Danny O’Connor likely to be charged with marshalling the defence. Added to that the presence of Adam Mitchell and two promising defenders in the shape of Dave Webster and Shane O’Connor the defence will hopefully be more watertight than recent years. Also new signing Peter Thomas has appeared in preseason to be a no-nonsense tough tackling centre half, and looks capable of filling in should he be required.
In midfield the return of the mercurial Gary Dempsey is a major coup, the quality of both his midfield possession and set piece ability were sorely missed last year. If he can perform to the level he did during the first half against Waterford (where he obtained three assists and bossed the midfield area with distinction) then surely goal scoring chances will not be at a premium this year. Kevin O’Connor could prove an excellent midfield partner for Dempsey should he be able to replicate the form he showed at the start of his Bray career (the highlight being a man of the match performance away to Sligo on his debut). New signing Danny Joyce has looked impressive in preseason so far, a composed midfielder possessing a good range of passing, always making himself available to receive the ball and also not afraid of a tackle. Adding the ever busy John Mulroy and the workhorse that is Daire Doyle to the mix and the midfield bases seems well covered.
Up front the evergreen Jason Byrne guarantees goals should the service be of a decent quality, and with the Bray goal scoring record firmly in this sights, he is sure to have the hunger to get those goals. Aided by the enigmatic Kieran Marty Waters, who possesses the pace and trickery to terrorise opposition defenders the goals should come.
Should the above mentioned players stay injury free the season promises to be a successful one. Strength in depth will be the main test of the Wanderers squad this year, as it is yet unknown should a key player face a layoff would there be a star in making to replace him.

On the basis of the above I’m going the predict that, should injuries and suspensions be kind to Bray, that the Wanderers will finish in a comfortable lower mid-table position, not quite challenging for Europe, but also avoiding a relegation battle. For the Fai cup my heart says this could be our year (but then again it says that every year) but my head says it will be a Quarter final exit. And as for the EA sports cup, like every year the adventure is likely to be over before it begins.

Enough writing, bring on the new season. Who’s heading to the pub? WANDERERS TILL I DIE!

Fixture Changes

Further details of Bray's season emerged when the FAI released revised fixture lists this past week.

The revisions affecting Bray matches include:


* Wanderers' away match against Drogheda in March will be played onSunday 24 March at 3pm

* The match in Derry on Easter Monday, 01 April, will kick-off at 3pm


* In May, the away match against Shelbourne will be on Monday 06 May at 7pm


* Previously missing from the Full Fixture List, Bray will play UCD at home onSunday 08 September, with a 3pm kick-off


* and on Sunday 13 October, the Seagulls host Limerick with a 3pm kick-off

Premier Division Fixtures 2013

Below is the full list for the 2013 Airtricity League Premier Division. Wanderers travel to Sligo and Derry twice, while only face one trip to Thomond Park in Limerick. The first standout fixture apart from Shels on the opening day is a St.Patrick's Weekend trip to Sligo, which promises to be a good weekend.



8 March Shelbourne Home
11March EA Sports Cup 1st round
16 March Sligo Rovers Away
18/19 March Cork City Home
23/24 March Drogheda Utd Away
29 March UCD Home

1 April Derry City Away
5 April St Patricks Ath Home
12 April Shamrock Rovers Away
19 April Limerick Home
26 April Bohemians Away

3 May Dundalk Home

6/7 May Shelbourne Away
10 May Sligo Rovers Home
17 May Cork City Away
20/21 May EA Sports Cup Round 2
24 May Drogheda Utd Home

w/e 2 June FAI Ford Cup Round 2
8 June UCD Away
14 June Derry City Home
17th to 26th June Mid Season Break
28 June St Patricks Ath Away

1 July EA Sports Cup Quarter Final
5 July Shamrock Rovers Home
TBC July Limerick Away
19 July Bohemians Home
26 July Dundalk Away

2 August Shelbourne Home
5 August EA Spoert Cup Semi Final
10 August Sligo Rovers Away
16 August Cork City Home
w/e 25 August FAI Ford Cup Round 3
30 August Drogheda Utd Away

7/8 September UCD Home
20 September Derry City Away
21 September EA Sports Cup Final
27 September St Patricks Ath Home

4 October Shamrock Rovers Away
12/13 October Limerick Home
18 October Bohemians Away
25 October Dundalk Home

End of season awards night

Well its been a while since i used the blog itself, the main bulk of wanderers weekly work this season was done through facebook and twitter.
Here is a full run down of the award winners on the night.


Senior Player of the Year:  Marty Waters

Young Player of the Year:   Pierce Sweeney

Under 19 Player of the Year 2011/12:  Stephen McGuinness

Leading Goalscorer:  Jason Byrne

Clubman of the Year:  Brian Kane

Club Person of the Year:  Brendan Harmon


Player of the month awards:

March:  Jason Byrne
April/May/June:  Marty Waters
July & September:  Darren Quigley
August & October:  Sean Houston

Photos to follow on facebook and twitter

Reading to visit the Carlisle Grounds

Wanderers fans were expecting 1 game this weekend, a trip to UCD on Friday night. However Bray Wanderers & Reading FC have now announced a glamour friendly that will pit the two sides against each other this Sunday 2nd September. The game will kick off at 4pm.

Reading will be bringing a full first team squad, bar one or two international players who will be on international duty. However a strong squad will face the wanderers , including Republic of Ireland international Noel Hunt and former Republic star Ian Harte. Also in the squad will be striking sensation Adam Le Fondre along with many more top Premier League players. Former seagull Pierce Sweeney will also be in the squad to face his old club.

Tickets are on sale now from the Carlisle Grounds and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Prices will not be increased from the regular League prices of €15 for Adults, €10 for Students and €7 for Children u16 and OAP's.

Low,low prices to see top Premier League and international stars.

Bray Wanderers 1-5 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Thanks to www.braywanderers.ie

BRAY WANDERERS 1 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 5

Bray hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers in what was for the visitors a pre-season friendly, with the home team blooding again several players who will be hoping to break through to the senior ranks.


If there was ever a game of two halves, this was one: Bray equalising and holding their equality to the break. A completely new eleven faced them after the break, and created a new dynamic.


It took barely past the quarter hour before the guests opened their account, Frank Nouble firing from a narrow angle on to the bar and then the far post into the back of the net.


Just after the half hour, however, Kieran "Marty" Waters capitalised on a Conor Butler corner, nipping in on a Kevin Foley backpass to take possession, rolling it under Carl Ikeme before Ikeme rolled over the striker, who ended up stretchered off.


Wolves fielded two completely different elevens in each half. The second period team proved a sterner challenge as Bray's substitutions continued.


Less than an hour in, Fletcher's overhead kick deceived Brian Kane who got a touch to it but couldn't keep it out.


Four minutes later Matt Jarvis doubled the visitors' advantage, and Matt Doherty rocketed home a fourth with less than ten minutes left.


And Fletcher, fielding a long diagonal ball perfectly timed by Michael Kightly, fired home with ease for the finisher.

Report by Mícheál Ó hUanacháin


Bray Wanderers: 1 Brian Kane; 2 Ryan Dooney, 4 David Webster, 5 Pat Seery, 3 Conor Butler; 7 Lee Dixon, 6 Graham Kelly, 8 Daire Doyle (c), 11 Brendan King; 10 Kieran Waters, 9 Sean Hurley


Subs: 12 Ismahil Akinade (for Waters 36), 14 Jonathan Kelty (for Hurley H/T)), 15 Paul Moffatt (for Dooney 58), 16 Conor Earley (for Dixon 65), 17 Kevin Knight (for Butler 61), 18 Colm Tresson (for King 70), 19 Dane Massey (for Doyle 77, 25 Darren Quigley (gk), 26 Stephen McGuinness (gk)





Wolverhampton Wanderers (1st half): 13 Carl Ikeme; 2 Kevin Foley, 4 Danny Batth, 5 Christophe Berra, 3 George Elokobi; 7 Dave Edwards, 6 Eggert Jonsson, 8 Karl Henry, 11 Adam Hammill; 10 Frank Nouble, 9 Sylvan Ebanks Blake


(2nd half): 31 Dorus de Vries; 12 Ronald Zubar, 14 Richard Stearman, 15 Roger Johnson, 16 Matt Doherty; 17 Anthony Forde, 18 Newad Milijas, 19 David Davis, 20 Matt Jarvis, 21 Michael Kightly; 22 Steven Fletcher
Sub (throughout): Aaron McCarey (gk)

Team news for trip to Tallaght

Thanks to www.braywanderers.ie

Kieran Marty Waters who was sent off against Shelbourne last Friday night will miss Bray's trip to Tallaght Stadium for their televised clash with Shamrock Rovers on Friday night also missing will be Ger Pender who picked up a serious shin injury against Scunthorpe on Tuesday night. They will be Bray's only absentees as Captain Danny O'Connor and fellow defender Adam Mitchell return following their suspensions for the Shelbourne game.

Also back in the squad are defender Dave Webster, who missed Bray's last two outings with a knee injury and midfielder Sean Houston who sat out last weeks game with a thigh strain.

Speaking after last weeks defeat to Shelbourne Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin said he felt his side were unlucky against Shelbourne and will be hoping to put that right on Friday at Tallaght Stadium.

Looking ahead to Friday Devlin said "We are back to full strength now, games between ourselves and Rovers have been great games and I expect Friday night to be no different.

********* Bray and Rovers have each recorded just one win in their last six outings in the League.

********* When the sides met in April at the Carlisle Grounds,it ended in stalemate with the sides sharing four goals. Kieran Marty Waters netted both Bray goals.

******* Last season Bray won the first two meetings between the sides with Rovers winning the final two games.Rovers scored seven goals to Bray's five.

****** Over the last two seasons Rovers have won four of the League meetings between the sides, Bray have won two and two have ended in draws.

Wanderers sign 2 more

Bray Wanderers are pleased to announce the signing of Paul Moffatt and Ryan Dooney.

18 y/o Paul Moffatt joins from Shamrock Rovers and 21 y/o Ryan Dooney signs from Malahide United.

Both players featured in the friendly game against Scunthorpe United.

Bray Wanderers 0-1 Scunthorpe United

Thanks to www.braywanderers.ie

BRAY WANDERERS 0 SCUNTHORPE UNITED 1

While Bray might have hoped for a result from this early friendly, pre-season for the visitors, they were left to rue a few missed chances in what was a relativley well-balanced match.

Wanderers made four changes after a tentative first half, during which neither side had more than a couple of chances.


Scunthorpe made one substitution a couple of minutes later, and it paid off almost immediately, Andy Barcham receiving a fine ball forward from Josh Walker and working his way across the Seagulls' back four one by one before contriving a shooting opportunity.


A further three Bray subs came within minutes, followed by what seemed an entire team change for the Iron, and though the visitors had more chances after that, they failed to increase their advantage.


Mid-way through the second period, however, Bray substitute Ger Pender pulled up following a clash with Callum Howe, and was in evident distress.

A lengthy delay ensued while the Bray player was attended to on the pitch, and following his departure veteran Colm Tresson took his place.

With commendable grace, referee Paul Tuite blew the game up inside regulation time, with honours relatively even in a fine warm-up for both sides.


Report by Mícheál Ó hUanacháin


Bray Wanderers: 1 Brian Kane; 2 Ryan Dooney, 5 Adam Mitchell, 4 Shane O'Connor, 3 Conor Butler; 7 Lee Dixon, 6 Graham Kelly, 8 Daire Doyle (c), 11 Brendan King; 10 Kieran Waters, 9 Jonathan Kelty



Subs: 1 Darren Quigley (gk), 12 David Webster (for O'Connor H/T), 14 Sean Hurley (for Waters H/T), 15 Seán Houston (for King 61), 16 Colm Tresson (for Pender 77), 17 Paul Moffat (for Kelly 61), 18 Pat Seery (for Mitchell H/T), 19 Ger Pender (for Dixon H/T), 20 Ismail Akinde (for Doyle 61), 25 Stephen McGuinness (gk)




Scunthorpe United: 1 Sam Slocombe; 2 Christian Ribeiro, 6 Paul Reid, X Tom Newey, 3 Callum Kennedy; 7 Jimmy Ryan, 4 Josh Walker, 9 Bobby Grant, 14 Robbie Gibbons; 10 Mike Grella, 16 Mark Duffy


Subs: 11 Andrew Barcham (for Duffy 48), 12 Connor Jennings (*see below), 13 James Severn (for Slocombe 61), 17 Matthew Godden (*and all remaining subs on for remaining starting XI except Ribeiro, 61), 20 Callum Howe, [21] Scott Matthews, X Mark Hughes, X Jordan Keegan, X Matty Mainwaring, X (Hasan al-)Yami

Wolves confirm squad for visit to Ireland

Wolves today confirmed their 26 man squad that has made the trip over to Ireland to face Bray on saturday.

The Irish trio who travelled to the European Championships – Stephen Ward, Stephen Hunt and Kevin Doyle – and Adlene Guedioura, who has had an extensive international programme with Algeria, will also not travel as they have a further week’s break before reporting back.

Michael Kightly also stays behind as his partner is due to give birth but new signing Björn Sigurdarson is expected to join the trip once he has completed his medical.

Full 26 man squad: De Vries, Ikeme, McCarey, Foley, Zubar, Stearman, Elokobi, Johnson, Berra, Batth, Reckord, Doherty, Henry, O’Hara, Edwards, Jonsson, Davis, Milijaš, Jarvis, Hammill, Forde, Nouble, Sigurdarson, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Vokes.

Bray Wanderers 2-3 Shelbourne

Thanks to www.braywanderers.ie 
BRAY WANDERERS 2  SHELBOURNE 3
In the end, the hosts were somewhat unlucky not to get something from tonight's match, having played a spirited second period with only ten men.

In an incident-filled ninety minutes at the Carlisle, the Reds went ahead twice only to be pegged back each time.

Midfielder Dave Cassidy gave them the lead just before the half hour, only for Kieran "Marty" Waters to strike back eight minutes later.

In the final minute of the first half, Philip Gorman restored the Shelbourne lead, and a minute into time added, Waters lost his cool when facing a card for his challenge on Brian Shortall and raised his hand to Gareth Matthews.

Referee Neil Doyle had no option but to switch cards, but he proceeded to caution Matthews as well.

The second half was only minutes old when John Mulroy pounced on an error by Chris Bennion to restore equality.

But the numerical advantage was bound to tell, and former Seagull Paddy Kavanagh made the most of a poor punch by Darren Quigley to put the visitors ahead inside the final quarter hour.

It proved enough to take the three points north of the Liffey.



Report by Mícheál Ó hUanacháin

Bray Wanderers: 1 Darren Quigley; 26 Shane O'Connor, 22 Pat Seery, 3 Dane Massey, 12 Kevin Knight; 16 Dean Zambra; 11 Kieran Waters, 7 Kevin O'Connor, 21 Adam Hanlon; 18 John Mulroy; 10 Jason Byrne (c)

Subs: 8 Daire Doyle (for Knight 68), 14 Graham Kelly, 15 Lee Dixon (for Byrne 75), 17 Jonathan Kelty (for Hanlon 85), 25 Brian Kane (gk), 28 Sean Hurley, 30 Brendan King


Shelbourne: 30 Chris Bennion; 2 Gareth Matthews, 12 Brian Shortall, 4 Andrew Boyle, 3 Lorcan Fitzgerald; 8 David Cassidy, 10 Kevin Dawson, 16 Stephen Hurley, 14 Paddy Kavanagh; 9 Philip Hughes, 19 Philip Gorman

Subs: 1 Dean Delaney (gk), 5 Stephen Paisley (for Shortall 64), 7 Conan Byrne, 11 Brendan McGill (for Hurley 74), 17 Sean Byrne, 18 Paul Byrne (for Gorman 86), 35 John Sullivan


Referee: Neil Doyle

Team news for visit of Shels

Thanks to www.braywanderers.ie 

Bray Wanderers will have four first teamers missing on Friday night for their clash with Shelbourne at the Carlisle Grounds. Defender Dave Webster who missed the trip to Sligo with a knee injury hasn't recovered and will miss out again as will Sean Heuston who was suspended for the Sligo game but a thigh injury forces him out of this one. Adam Mitchell who was sent off late on last Saturday following a second yellow card is suspended as is Club Captain Danny O'Connor who has reached four penalty points. Sean Hurley is added to the squad

Speaking following last weeks draw at the Showgrounds Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin was pleased with the point, he said "It was a good performance and you would have to be happy coming out of the Showgrounds with a point". He added " If we rode our luck a little better it could have been three points".

Looking ahead to Friday night Devlin said " It's going to be a tough one for us with so many players missing. We have to get on with it and we will have a couple of new faces in and see what we can produce".


********* Bray's home record so far this season is, played 8, won 2, drew 2, lost 4.

******** Shelbourne's away record is, played 8, Won 3, drew 1, lost 4.

********* In their last six outings Bray have conceded 14 goals, scoring 10. winning just once, drawing 2 and losing 3.

********* The sides have met four times already this season and all the games have been very close with no more that a goal separating the sides in any of the games.

********* In April Bray won at Tolka in the E.A Sports Cup 1-0 after extra time, a week later again at Tolka Shels won 2-1 in the League Bray missing a penalty in that game.

******** In the F.A.I. Cup at the Carlisle Grounds in May the sides drew 1-1 with Shels winning the replay 1-0.

Wanderers Weekly sits down with Brendan King

This week Wanderers Weekly chats to Bray's latest signing Brendan King.


Q1:First off Brendan thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.Now before you signed for the Seagull's very few people had heard of you.Tell us a little about yourself.

A1: Not a problem at all! I am 22 years old and I'm from Chicago.  I've played football all my life and it's always been a dream of mine to play in Europe. I studied politics at the University of Notre Dame and recently graduated this past December. Outside of playing  football I'm a pretty avid FIFA player and will take on anyone that wants a game! I've been a huge Man United supporter all my life as well.




Q2:You played college football (or soccer in the states) for Notre Dame, what is the standard of college football in the states like ??

A2: The standard of college football is actually a lot higher than what people who aren't familiar with it would expect. There's a lot of good players and coaches involved in university football in the states. There's a really big emphasis on education in the US so a lot of kids will try and finish their degrees before they pursue a career in football. You can't play football forever so its good to have a degree in my hands.



Q3:You were selected by the Portland Timbers on the MLS Super Draft earlier this year.You went on their pre-season training campaign, but you didn't sign for them.Why??

A3: Being drafted to the Timbers was a really great honor. It was great to spend pre-season with the squad. Portland is a great city and they have a really well supported team. When you are drafted to an MLS team, you aren't automatically guaranteed a contract. I spent about five weeks with the Timbers. MLS teams have a limit of 30 players per roster. When I was drafted to the Timbers they had about one or two roster spots available and about eight different guys after those one or two spots.  I came to the realization that it was going to take a bit a longer than I had wanted to get in the squad and get a first team roster spot. I also had the chance to go on trial with Shamrock Rovers. Portland asked if I would stay and finish out preseason but I wanted to pursue my options overseas and so I jumped at the chance to come over here to Ireland and try my luck out here.



Q4:You were on trial with other Airtricity League clubs. What was the experience like for you ??


A4: I had a trial with Shamrock Rovers in February after I left Portland. It was my first real taste of the LOI and I was really impressed with the standard. I really enjoyed my time with Rovers and I thank Stephen Kenny and the staff there for giving me the opportunity.


Q5:Many people will want to know,Why pick Ireland to play your trade in ??

A5: I think the LOI is a really underrated league. There's loads of really talented players in the league and I've really enjoyed playing alongside these guys so far.  I chose Ireland for a number of reasons. Obviously the language isn't a barrier and Ireland is a pretty easy country to settle into. I really like the people here and everyone at Bray has been really welcoming and friendly which has helped me assimilate a lot. Also I think the LOI is a great launching pad to other leagues in Europe. Like I said, it's always been a dream of mine to play in Europe and when I received the chance to do so I jumped at it.



Q6:Did you know much about the Airtricity League before you came over here ??

A6: Before I came over in February I didn't know much to be honest. I know former Pats player, Ryan Guy's agent pretty well and he had told me a few things about the league.  That being said, I've been impressed so far with everything.


Q7:Now your recent move to the Wanderers,How did that all come about ??

A7: After my trial with Shamrock Rovers I had a talk with Stephen Kenny. He was impressed with my performance over the week I was there, but there wasn't really a need for my position within the squad. They have so many talented players over there. He said he would make a few calls for me however so that I could get a club here in Ireland. Among the clubs he called was Bray, and he spoke very highly of me to Pat Devlin. Pat decided to take a chance on me on that recommendation from Stephen and he brought me over.


Q8: Compared to College football in the states is their a big step up to Airtricity League football ??

A8: I would say the league here is a bit more fast paced and physical than college football in the US. I've been fortunate enough to train with a few clubs across Europe and those experiences have prepared me really well for playing here. I can handle the pace of the game pretty well and I think as time goes by I will become more accustomed to the style of play here.


Q9:How have you settled in at the seaside ??

A9: I think I've settled in pretty well. I like Bray. Its a nice little town, but there's enough to do there to keep me busy. Like I said, all the people associated with the club have been great. They've really helped me settle in. The guys in the team are all really great guys and I get on with them well.


Q10:Finally, It's early in your Wanderers career but can you see yourself returning next season ??

A10: To be honest I haven't thought much past this season. If the offer presents itself to return next season it's something I will have to think about. For now I just want to do as well as I can with the opportunity that I have. I just want to concentrate on this season and working as hard as I can for the team so that we can be successful in the second half of the season. If I can do that than the rest will take care of itself.

A massive thanks to Brendan for taking the time out of his busy day to answer a few questions for us and we wish him all the best in his wanderers career. 

Wanderers sign 2 more

Bray Wanderers are pleased to announce the signing of Lee Dixon and Ismahil Akinade.

21 year old Lee Dixon joins from Bohemians and is a former Republic of Ireland U21 international. Dixon was a permanent fixture in Bohemian's side last season but fell foul of an over sized squad this season and he is sure to be pushing for a place in the Wanderers starting 11.

18 year old Ismahil Akinade joins the Seagulls having featured for St. Patricks Athletic U19 team last season.

Bray Wanderers to take on Liverpool XI

PRESS RELEASE

Bray Wanderers v Liverpool XI

Sunday 12^th August 2012

3pm – Carlisle Grounds

Bray Wanderers are pleased to announce that the club will host a friendly against Liverpool FC XI at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray, Co. Wicklow on Sunday 12^th August.

The match will kick-off at 3pm.

Tickets for the match are priced at Adults (€20.00) and O.A.P’s / Schoolchildren (U16) at €10.00.

Tickets are now on sale from Bray Wanderers at 01-2828214.

Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ie).

Bray Wanderers Director of Football Pat Devlin: “We are delighted to host Liverpool again this year in Bray. It will be another tremendous occasion for the club and the town. To have a team with the tradition of Liverpool visit Bray is something we are really proud of. There is a huge amount of Liverpool supporters in the area and I know they will be very keen to see the upcoming stars from Anfield. On behalf of all connected with Bray Wanderers, I would like to wish our great friend Kenny Dalglish all the best for the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish new Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers the very best for the new season. We are looking forward to a great day on the 12^th August”

End of Press Release.

Issued by Bray Wanderers Football Club.

10th July 2012

Sligo Rovers 1-1 Bray Wanderers

Match report thanks to www.braywanderers.ie 
Bray took a valuable point from their encounter in the North-West today.

The first period was slow to come alive, though the ball covered a fair bit of ground, and while the home side had the better of the corner count, free kicks, and a couple of half-chances around the quarter hour, their best shot came from an off-side Danny North.


But half way through, Bray produced their first real attack, Kieran "Marty" Waters feeding Jason Byrne right in front of goal, and former Bray net-minder Gary Rogers produced a marvelloous reaction save with his foot.

Within the minute, Raffaele Cretaro beat Quigley with a speculative shot from the left, only to see his effort slide off the far post.


And less than a minute after that, Bray were in the Sligo danger area again, Waters's cross just missing Byrne, but Adam Hanlon was wide enough to keep possession and cut back for John Mulroy, whose shot was intercepted by the defence just enough to put it out off the foot of the right hand post.


And it was the visitors who shocked the Showgrounds four minutes after the break with Byrne stealing his twelfth goal of the season.


Alan Keane answered with a well-taken goal of his own, creating his opening after a feed from Joseph Ndo, and firing home from close range.


Adam Mitchell was shown yellow for the second time in timed added, and the Seagulls ended up with only nine men when John Mulroy was injured just before the final whistle.

Report Mícheál Ó hUanacháin
Photos  Mick Tierney


Bray Wanderers:  1 Darren Quigley; 2 David Webster, 6 Danny O'Connor (c), 26 Shane O'Connor; 16 Dean Zambra; 11 Kieran Waters, 7 Kevin O'Connor, 21 Adam Hanlon; 18 John Mulroy; 10 Jason Byrne


Subs: 8 Daire Doyle (for Hanlon 74), 12 Kevin Knight (for Waters 77), 14 Graham Kelly, 19 Conor Butler, 22 Pat Seery, 30 Brendan King (for Byrne 87), 25 Brian Kane (gk)


Sligo Rovers: 1 Gary Rogers; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 5 Danny Ventre (c), 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 8 Romuald Boco, 11 Ross Gaynor, 22 David Cawley, 15 Joseph Ndo; 10 Raffaele Cretaro, 27 Danny North

Subs: 6 Jeff Henderson, 7 John Dillon (for ), 9 Mark Quigley (for Gaynor 60), 14 Pascal Millien (for Cretaro 60), 16 Lee Lynch, 23 Ciarán Kelly, 29 Séamus Conneely (for Ndo 80)


Referee: Graham Kelly