Bray Wanderers and
Longford Town are set to lock horns in the Republic of Ireland's
1st Division on April 18, 2025. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs in the league, making this match a fascinating contest.
Bray Wanderers sit comfortably higher in the standings, while
Longford Town struggles to find consistent form. This game could provide a crucial turning point for one of these teams.
Key Players in Spotlight
Bray Wanderers boast a solid squad. Jack Hudson, their dynamic goalkeeper, has been in top form, pulling off some spectacular saves recently. Kevin Knight, known for his versatility, plays a critical role in both defense and attack. Eoin Massey, a midfield maestro, has been orchestrating plays with finesse. Upfront, Daniel Blackbyrne has shown a knack for finding the back of the net. Notably absent from the lineup, though, are Benjamin Clark and Keith Dalton, sidelined due to injuries—big gaps for the team to fill.
Longford Town, on the other hand, relies on Shane Elworthy's defensive prowess. Sam Verdon, a midfield general, dictates play with his vision and passing accuracy. Jack Menton, despite being relatively new, has impressed with his physicality and work rate. Two notable absences, however, could impact their performance: the experienced defender Paddy Kirk and influential midfielder Aodh Dervin, both out due to suspensions.
Past Encounters
Bray Wanderers and
Longford Town have quite the history, having faced off 21 times since 2009. Bray boasts nine victories, while Longford has won six, with six matches ending in a draw. The last three encounters, though, tell an interesting story.
Bray Wanderers 2-1
Longford Town [March 2024],
Longford Town 1-0
Bray Wanderers [August 2023], and
Bray Wanderers 1-1
Longford Town [June 2023] showcase a competitive rivalry with neither side dominating entirely.
Recent Performance
Bray Wanderers have had a mixed bag in their last five outings. They triumphed against Treaty United (2-1) and Athlone Town (0-1) but stumbled against University College Dublin (0-1). They also secured another win against Cobh Ramblers (2-1) and managed a draw with Athlone Town (1-1).
Longford Town, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain consistency. They suffered defeats at the hands of University College Dublin (0-1) and Wexford (1-3), managed a draw against Finn Harps (1-1), and clinched a victory over Treaty United (2-0). However, Dundalk proved too strong for them, resulting in a 2-1 loss.
Match Outlook
As these teams prepare to face off,
Bray Wanderers appear to have the upper hand, based on recent form and league standing. Their squad depth, despite a couple of key absences, remains formidable.
Longford Town, lacking consistency, will need to dig deep and rely on their available talent to mount a challenge. With both sides having their strengths and weaknesses, this match offers a chance for either team to make a statement and potentially change their season's trajectory.
In a world where football often surprises, both teams will look to seize their moment on the field.
Match Odds Bray Wanderers – Longford Town
Leon's odds for Bray Wanderers triumphing are - -.
Longford Town odds for winning offered at - -.
Draw odds offered at -.
