🗞️ Match Preview – Bray Wanderers vs Dundalk FC

Sean McGuinness
Jul 9
2 min read

Updated: Jul 12

📅 Date: Friday, July 11th

⏰ Kick-off: 19:45

📍 Venue: Carlisle Grounds

Dundalk FC travel to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night to face a Bray Wanderers side hitting their stride, in what promises to be a crucial clash in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.

Ciarán Kilduff’s team arrive in Wicklow full of belief after a clinical 4-0 win over Kerry FC last time out. That result, coupled with a 1-0 win over Cobh Ramblers the week prior, has solidified the Lilywhites' place at the summit and built serious momentum heading into the business end of the season.

🟢 Bray in Form

Bray Wanderers have enjoyed a strong couple of weeks, picking up back-to-back wins. A 4-0 hammering of Athlone Town was followed by an impressive 2-1 away victory over promotion rivals Wexford, lifting them into playoff contention and setting up a mouth-watering encounter under the lights at the seaside.

🔁 Previous Meetings

Dundalk and Bray last met in Oriel Park in May, where the home side dominated possession but needed a stoppage-time equalizer from Gbemi Arubi in the 92nd minute to snatch a 2-2 draw.

The last meeting in the Carlisle Grounds saw Dundalk run riot in the first half, racing into a 3-0 lead through goals from Dean Ebbe, Daryl Horgan and Eoin Kenny, before seeing out a comfortable 3-1 victory.

Kilduff’s Thoughts 💭

Speaking ahead of Friday’s tie, Dundalk head coach Ciarán Kilduff is expecting a tough battle and a chance for his side to prove themselves again on the road:

“We’re really looking forward to a tough game. Bray caused us problems at Oriel and are having a great season. They’ll be buzzing to get their hands on us Friday night and try to close the gap to the top.”

“But we’re in a good place. Back-to-back wins against Cobh and Kerry, plus the new lads settling in well, gives us real momentum. JR and Declan McDaid got valuable minutes in Kerry and are pushing hard now.”

Kilduff also praised the travelling support and knows what’s at stake:

“Our away following has been incredible all season. I’ve no doubt the Dundalk voices will be heard loud and proud again on Friday. We’re at the business end now. every three points is massive.”

🩺 Team News

Dundalk could be boosted by the return of Ethen Vaughan, who is close to full fitness and may be available for selection. Norman Garbett and Conor O’Keeffe are both expected to rejoin the squad within the next week, with O’Keeffe awaiting specialist clearance. Mayowa is a doubt due to a slight hamstring strain, while Leo Gaxha remains out long-term following his ACL injury. Aside from that, Kilduff has a full squad to choose from, with new signings Declan McDaid and JR Wilson both pushing for starting spots after featuring in Kerry.

📌 Fixture Details

Bray Wanderers vs Dundalk FC

📍 Carlisle Grounds

📅 Friday, July 11th

⏰ Kick-off: 7:45 PM