Fingal and Bray face off for Premier Division status

Sporting Fingal and Bray Wanderers meet at Morton Stadium tonight in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off (kick-off 7.45pm).

Sporting Fingal and Bray Wanderers meet at Morton Stadium tonight in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off (kick-off 7.45pm).

Fingal defender John Frost is struggling with a hamstring strain and is unlikely to feature while Alan Kirby will undergo a pre-match fitness test on a foot problem.

Robert Bayly and Robbie Doyle are available again after serving suspensions.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “These are our biggest games of the season. Our aim at the start of this season was promotion and we’ve two games now in which to achieve it.

“Eddie Gormley and his Bray team will be as eager as us to win this fixture, with the ultimate prize of top-flight football at stake.

“A good victory over Shelbourne on Tuesday puts us in good spirits, though we need to be equally, or a bit more, on form to emerge through this play-off.

“These are busy times for us but we’re not complaining. This time last year, we had finished our season but to have two more play-off matches and an FAI Ford Cup final to contest over the next ten days shows we’re progressing well.”

Wanderers have to plan without the experienced Stephen Brennan and young striker John Mulroy, both of whom are suspended for the game.

Otherwise Wanderers boss Eddie Gormley has a full squad to pick from.

Gormley said: "We started well on Tuesday night and did ok in the first half, but we never came out for the second half.

“I was very disappointed, and we didn't deserve anything from the game with our second-half performance.

“Friday will be another tough game. In my opinion, Fingal are a top-four side in the Premier Division with the players they have.

“We have to go out and improve on our semi-final performance. That game was over before it started. We need to give ourselves a chance by bringing them back to Bray with something to play for on Monday.”

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Manchester United v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Europa League - Group L - Old Trafford Arne Slot: the overachiever and ‘good guy’ who can spark a revolution
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal - Premier League - Molineux Stadium Mikel Arteta says Arsenal need to ‘put rivalry aside’ against Tottenham
European Leagues General Assembly - London Premier League chief says Manchester City case will be resolved ‘in near future’
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited