Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
After a packed and tumultuous Easter weekend with two matchdays, the First Division is back in action, this time with four games to be played on Friday and one game scheduled for Saturday night.
Bray Wanderers vs Kerry FC
The atmosphere around the two clubs couldn’t be more different. While Bray is positioned only three points behind league leaders Dundalk after having gathered six wins in a row, Kerry recently lost twice and dropped to the bottom of the table. It would be a surprise if the Seagulls weren’t able to continue their winning streak tonight at their home ground.
Prediction Bray Wanderers 2 Kerry FC 0
Cobh Ramblers vs Finn Harps
The top clash of the evening will be held at St Colman’s Park. On Easter weekend, third-placed Cobh celebrated two wins and reacted well to a previous barren spell with three defeats. Meanwhile, the visitors haven’t lost since mid-March and climbed to the fifth place in the table. Both sides will certainly be eager to continue their respective runs.
Prediction Cobh Ramblers 1 Finn Harps 1
Treaty United vs Athlone Town
Last weekend was a good summary of Treaty United’s inconsistent performances this season so far. On Friday, the Shannonsiders achieved a respectable 1-1 draw against Dundalk. But on Monday, they suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss at Wexford. Which face will Tommy Barrett’s side show this time against Athlone? Following the departure of manager Dário Castelo two weeks ago, the Midlanders showed some improvement on the pitch and picked up draws against Wexford and Longford. At Markets Field, they hope to come up with an unexpected victory.
Prediction Treaty United 2 Athlone Town 1
Wexford vs UCD
The hosts haven’t lost in five games and underscored their ambitions on Monday with a 2-0 win against Treaty. On the other side, the Students recently lost twice without even finding the net. Generally, UCD is currently going through some offensive struggles, having scored only five goals in eleven matches. It is safe to say that Wexford are the favourites in this meeting at Ferrycarrig Park.
Prediction Wextford 1 UCD 0
Longford Town vs Dundalk (Saturday Night)
After two draws on Easter Weekend, Dundalk’s margin to pursuer Bray has melted to three points. On Saturday, the table-toppers will try to find their way back to winning against a struggling Longford side that hasn’t won a game since the end of March. However, the Railwaymen shouldn’t underestimate their opponent, as the first clash between the two teams only ended in a narrow 2-1 win for the league leaders.
Prediction Longford Town 1 Dundalk 2