LEAGUE OF IRELAND PROMOTION/ RELAGATION: Sporting Fingal v Bray WanderersTHEY MAY have been convincing 4-2 winners over Bray Wanderers in their FAI Cup semi-final a few weeks ago, and be in their best form of the season, but manager Liam Buckley is demanding more from his Sporting Fingal players if they are to achieve promotion.
First Division Sporting host Premier side Bray at Morton Stadium tonight determined to establish a healthy lead ahead of Monday’s return at the Carlisle Grounds.
“These are our biggest games of the season. Our aim at the start of this season was promotion and we’ve two games now in which to achieve it,” said Buckley.
“A good victory over Shelbourne on Tuesday puts us in good spirits, though we need to be equally, or a bit more, on form to emerge through this play-off. Bray will be as eager as us to win .”
Following that cup semi-final defeat, Bray manager Eddie Gormley rates Sporting as one of the best sides in the country.
“In my opinion Fingal are a top four side in the Premier Division, with the players they have,” said Gormley. He added: “We need to give ourselves a chance by bringing them back to Bray with something to play for on Monday”.
Sporting have midfielder Robert Bayly and striker Robbie Doyle back from suspension but are likely to be without John Frost while winger Alan Kirby faces a late fitness test. Bray are without suspended duo Stephen Brennan and striker John Mulroy.
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