Match Preview - Bray Wanderers v Longford Town February 13 2026

For the second year in a row, Bray will face Longford on the opening day of the League of Ireland First Division season. 

The Wicklow side will have a new-look line-up with eight permanent arrivals in the close season along with three loan signings. 

“We had a couple of sessions in the middle of December, and then we got the lads back fully just in the New Year. We've been going at it about five or six weeks” said First Team Coach Paul Heffernan. 

“We're happy with where we are because of the new players. We’ve plenty of new players coming in, and getting them settled in. We’re getting to know them and they're getting to know us, and how we want to play.” 

The Seagulls topped their Group in the Leinster Senior Cup in pre-season in three competitive fixtures. 

But bar one tie, every other pre-season match was against Premier Division opposition. 

“We got to play plenty of games, got plenty of minutes in the legs and we're happy. We can't wait for a season to start” Heffernan explained. 

“In pre-season the games we played we're against top level Premier League sides, which we wanted. We wanted to play the good players, up against good coaches, and we got everything we needed from all those as well.” 

He concluded “We will give Longford the respect they deserve. Our home form was crucial last season. We want to continue that form at the Carlisle. Our fans were a major factor last year as well at home. We want them to keep up that brilliant support on Friday. Our aim is to win every game, and we will do our best to try and do that.” 

 

 

Defender Benjamin Fagbemi is an injury doubt. 

Midfielder Jamie Ryan remains out with a shoulder problem. 

 

 

It will be the sixth time the two clubs have met on the opening day of a campaign, with honours even at two wins apiece and one draw from the previous meetings. 

On 20th October 1985, the Midlanders were the first visitors to the Carlisle Grounds for a League game in the League of Ireland. 

Last season, Wanderers were 1-0 winners in Longford with an own goal proving decisive on the night, a goal which was our 1,500th league goal since we joined the League of Ireland in 1985.