🎙️ Match Preview: Dundalk FC vs Bray Wanderers – Top-of-the-Table Showdown at Oriel Park

Sean McGuinness
May 8
2 min read

Ciarán Kilduff previews Friday nights clash versus Bray Wanderers.

Dundalk FC return home to Oriel Park this Friday night for what promises to be one of the defining games of the early season, a top-of-the-table clash against second-placed Bray Wanderers.

With nine wins and four draws from their opening 13 games, the Lilywhites remain unbeaten, but manager Ciarán Kilduff knows there’s more to come from his side.

“We’re in a good place right now. Of course, we’ve been a bit disappointed with a couple of draws, but nine wins and four draws is a strong start. We can be proud of that.”

Looking ahead to the final stretch before the summer break, Kilduff is under no illusions about the importance of the upcoming run of fixtures - starting with this Friday’s massive test at home.

“We’ve accumulated a nice amount of points, but there are a couple of big weeks ahead. And they don’t get any bigger than Friday night at home to Bray.”

Having spent recent weeks on the road, the return to Oriel Park has given the squad a fresh boost of energy and motivation.

“There’s a different feeling around training this week. The lads are really looking forward to it, and you can see the hunger. We know this is a big game.”

The manager also praised the team’s mentality, highlighting their frustration at dropped points as a sign of their ambition and high standards.

“We’re proud of the start we’ve made - but we’re not satisfied. That says a lot about where we are this season. Every game we go into, we expect to win. And if we don’t, it feels like a defeat.”

With Bray also enjoying a strong start, Friday’s match is more than just another fixture — it’s a chance for Dundalk to lay down a marker.

“This is a proper game - a big night under the lights at Oriel. The support we’ve had all season has been fantastic, and we’ll need it again on Friday.”

Team News:

Manager Ciarán Kilduff has confirmed a few key updates ahead of Friday night’s top-of-the-table clash with Bray Wanderers. Aodh Dervin will miss out due to suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards, while Harry Groome is sidelined after picking up an injury in last week’s match.

On a positive note, Enda Minogue has returned to full training after two solid weeks and is available for selection once again. Ethen Vaughan and Norman Garbutt are both continuing their recovery, with Vaughan having recently resumed running, though both remain a few weeks away from a return.

The rest of the squad is fit and available, and Kilduff noted the continued emergence of young players in recent weeks - a positive trend that reflects both their readiness and growing influence within the group.