UCD host Bray Wanderers in the Airtricity League on Friday night
UCD AFC host Bray Wanderers in the Airtricity League Premier Division on Friday (Aug 31st)
The game has a 7.45pm kick off in The UCD Bowl.
UCD’s recent league form has improved after two league wins in a row over Shelbourne and Cork City, but UCD were well beaten by Sligo Rovers last Monday night but remain one point ahead of bottom side Dundalk.
After a 1-0 cup defeat to Derry City on Friday night, attention returns to the hunt for league points.
Bray have beaten UCD in the last six league meetings between the sides, a record which UCD want to put right.
This season, two Jason Byrne goals secured a 2-0 win for Bray at the Carlisle Grounds, while at the UCD Bowl Bray won 3-2.
Last 5 results:
Aug 3rd UCD 0 – 2 Shamrock Rovers
Aug 10th Shelbourne 1 – 2 UCD
Aug 17th UCD 3-1 Cork City
Aug 20th Sligo Rovers 3-0 UCD
Aug 14th UCD 0-1 Derry City (FAI Ford Cup)
UCD are still missing the injured goalkeeper John Kelly (thigh), while top scorer Graham Rusk (shin), midfielders Chris Mulhall (groin) and Tom O’Halloran (groin) and striker Cillian Morrison (ankle) are all long term absentees. 
Sean Russell (groin) will be out for two weeks but Dean Clarke who missed Monday’s cup game with a hip injury trained on Wednesday and will be fit to take his place in the squad.
Samir Belhout also trained on Wednesday after a broken bone in his foot and will also be in the squad.
Paul Corry signed for Sheffield Wednesday this week so obviously will not be involved.
Some quotes from manager Martin Russell:
On the game: “We go into this evening’s game trying to buck the trend of our recent matches against Bray with our opponents gaining far too many points for our liking. Bray have consistently proven a difficult team to beat and Pat, as always, will have them geared up.”
“We all know by now in this competitive league that you really have to work to secure points , Bray also need to add some to their tally in order to avoid any playoff.”
Also his thoughts on Paul Corry’s move:
“The signing of Paul Corry to Sheffield Wednesday is a significant move for all concerned. Paul leaves us having completed his studies and now can focus on making his way in the professional game with a top championship club. He has been a valuable team player since his arrival. I know he values the philosophy that the club beholds, and his move for me demonstrates that you can continue your footballing aspirations without sacrificing your education.”
“Far too many Irish players leave too early for too little. When I originally signed Paul I told him that UCD was the best option for a lad his age and I hope more like him will follow in his steps in the future.”
“He has progressed in both football and academic pathways and everyone here wishes him the best.”
“It’s not easy to lose someone of Paul’s calibre ,but it now gives others an opportunity to progress, and this has been a feature at the club for a long time. All the lads will miss Paul, but can also use his rise up the football as a source of inspiration.”
