Men’s Match Preview: Bray Wanderers (H)
Date: 10th of May 2024
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this much-anticipated match.
Both teams come into this game having won four of their last five fixtures. Athlone’s last defeat came at the hands of Bray Wanderers, so it is a chance to make amends for the earlier defeat. In what is the biggest game of the season so far it comes at the wrong time due to injuries and suspensions leaving the squad limited. Click here to read about the last game between the clubs.
Athlone town are the in-form team in the division and they sit in third place on twenty-two points. Bray come into the game just behind Athlone in the form table and the standings they sit fourth on twenty-one points. While Cork City sit way out in front, any points dropped by teams at the top could see them move down the table quickly.
Coming into the game AthloneTownAFC.ie spoke to manager Dario Castelo and he gave his thoughts on the fixture.
“We are come into this game after getting a very important result in a difficult game. Everyone worked well together, and it was possible to get the 3 points. Friday, we have another extremely difficult game where we know we must get a result to continue this momentum.”
Team News
Athlone Town AFC have a couple of injury concerns, Oisin Duffy is still returning to play gradually, and the exciting Ruben Candal is still struggling with injury. Noah Van Geenen is still ruled out. Suspensions are becoming a concern with both German and Aaron Connolly now missing the game.
Past Encounters
Going back to October 1997 and Athlone and Bray have 35 times in that time. Bray have come out on top 21 times there have been 8 draws with Athlone winning 6. Only twice has this fixture ended scoreless in the last 26 years so we are guaranteed a difficult game with potential for goals. The first game this season finished 3-0 to Bray, Athlone were not at the races on that occasion.
Key Players to Watch
For Athlone Town AFC, if you get a chance this season, go and see Ruben Candal. His is probably the most skilful player to line out for Athlone in years. He brings out the best in players around him and is most definitely one to watch over this fixture.
Bray Wanderers Peter Grogan score in the reverse fixture and he has six goals already this season which is an excellent return for the young forward.
Match Tickets
Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.
Adults €15 Concessions €10 Children €5
Live Coverage:
The game will be streamed live on LOITV at the below link. Individual match passes can be purchased for €5 or viewers can purchase a season pass which will give them access to all games across the League of Ireland.
ATHLONE TOWN V BRAY WANDERERS (loitv.ie)
Referee Team
Referee: Marc Lynch
1st Assistant Referee: Chris Campbell
2nd Assistant Referee: Thomas Joyce
4th Official: Rob Dowling
Digital Match Programme