Match Preview - Bray Wanderers v Athlone Town First Division Play-Off Final

For the first time since 2021, Bray will contest the First Division Play-Off Final. 

After getting the better of UCD 2-1 over two-legs, the Wicklow side will face Athlone Town – who overcame Wexford in the other Semi Final - on Saturday at Dalymount Park. 

“The players have battled and the season’s not over yet”, said First Team Coach Paul Heffernan. 

“We rested and recovered after Monday, and we were back in training on Wednesday. We’ll be ready for Athlone on Saturday. We want to go to Dalymount and give a good account ourselves.” 

 

 

The defensive duo of Max Murphy and Paul Murphy are suspended. 

Midfielder Zayd Abada is also ruled out for the Green and White’s. 

 

 

There have been four previous League meetings this season between the clubs. 

When the teams met at the start of April, Bray won 3-0 at the Carlisle Grounds. Shane Griffin’s first half goal was added by Paul Murphy and Peter Grogan in the second period. 

In the return fixture at the Athlone Town Stadium in May, the Midlanders won 2-1. Dean Ebbe scored twice before Paul Murphy pulled one back for the visitors. 

Back at the Carlisle Grounds last June, Cristian Magerusan’s first half penalty settled the issue in Wanderers’ favour 1-0. 

Then back at Lissywollen back in August, Guillermo Almirall’s second half volley settled the issue 1-0 in favour of Wanderers.