Match Preview - UCD v Bray Wanderers First Division Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg

In a repeat of the 2024 encounter, Bray will face off against UCD in the First Division Play-off Semi Final. 

But the roles from 12 months ago are reversed - as the Students will have home advantage in the first leg on Friday at the Bowl. 

Wanderers will host the second leg next Tuesday at the Carlisle Grounds. 

Over the 36-game season, the Seagulls finished in third position – three points ahead of the College in fourth place. 

The four League ties between the clubs in the campaign saw each team win twice. 

“The League form is irrelevant now,” said First Team Coach Paul Heffernan. 

“This is a new four team competition to try get to the play-off final. Every player in our squad will be ready, both physically and mentally for the challenge of UCD.” 

He went on to stress “Hopefully there is big Bray support up in the Bowl on Friday. And they get right behind the team. These are exciting games, and we have been looking forward to them for the last few weeks.” 

 

 

Republic of Ireland U17 cap Billy O’Neill is suspended. 

Midfielder Jamie Ryan remains out with a shoulder problem. 

 

 

When the teams met last March at the UCD Bowl, Max Murphy’s penalty sealed a 1-0 away win for Wanderers. 

In the return fixture last April at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray won 2-0 with goals by Harvey Warren and Danú Kinsella Bishop. 

Back at the Carlisle Grounds in June, the ‘College won 3-1 with goals by Éanna Clancy, Ciaran Behan, and Adam Wells. Rhys Knight replied for the Seagulls. 

Back at the Bowl in August, UCD won 3-2. 

Rhys Bartley’s opener was cancelled out by Declan Osagie. Jake Doyle and Guillermo Almirall then exchanged goals before Adam Brennan bagged a late winner for the hosts.