Bray Away

**dansultheman** · 20/02/2023, 7:30 PM

This will be interesting to see how Kerry get on away on Friday against Bray away. There will be less expectations and hype on the road which may lead to Kerry playing with more freedom from the beginning.

You would have to think Leo Gaxha is a certain starter after changing the game when introduced last at half time.

Anyone hear how Bray looked in their 1-0 win over Treaty?

**culloty82** · 20/02/2023, 8:22 PM

Absolutely, also Kelliher might start from the beginning, when he seems more suited to a possession-based game than Trip. Would be interesting if Stephen McCarthy recovers in time for Friday, even if would probably be too much of a risk to start him.

**legendz** · 20/02/2023, 9:20 PM

Originally Posted by dansultheman

This will be interesting to see how Kerry get on away on Friday against Bray away. There will be less expectations and hype on the road which may lead to Kerry playing with more freedom from the beginning.

You would have to think Leo Gaxha is a certain starter after changing the game when introduced last at half time.

Anyone hear how Bray looked in their 1-0 win over Treaty?

My Limerick contacts suggest Bray won against the run of play. The Bray centre back however is supposed to be at a higher level than everyone else.
A lot of Friday night in Mounthawk Park was about the matchday event. Shane admitted he didn't know what to expect from the home crowd during the week.
Friday in Bray will be more focussed on going out and playing football. You'd imagine Leo will start alright. He seemed to pose the most threat. As Billy alluded to, some of the senior player were nervy on Friday night. One would have thought it would have been the younger players that would have let the occasion get to them. There is definitely a better performance in the players. Hopefully with less pressure and expectation away, they might get a positive result.

**culloty82** · 21/02/2023, 11:15 AM

One thought that came to mind this week is that there must be a number of "exiles" who have already attended LoI matches in the capital in previous seasons, and so can be appealed to for away support, given Bray is accessible by DART.

**legendz** · 21/02/2023, 4:53 PM

Bray is very accessible from Dublin. More accessible than going from Tralee to Dingle! The best opportunity alright for those up in Dublin to catch a game.

**Martinho II** · 21/02/2023, 8:51 PM

Welcome to Kerry FC . In a few weeks time my team will be coming up to ye. Are walk-ins allowed?

**culloty82** · 21/02/2023, 8:58 PM

We'll all have a better idea on that score after next week's Treaty game - tickets for that haven't gone on general sale yet.

**culloty82** · 23/02/2023, 12:21 PM

And those tickets sold out within two hours of going on sale - so if you get e-mails from Longford, I'd follow it up straight away!

**culloty82** · 23/02/2023, 5:53 PM

Stephen McCarthy has now been confirmed as available for tomorrow, which will add to the attacking options, but Mark Carey is a long-term injury, while Cianan Cooney and Junior Ankomah both remain doubtful.

**legendz** · 23/02/2023, 7:22 PM

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1...3-M7wVOdQ&s=19
Kerry's first away game with a second away jersey?

**dansultheman** · 23/02/2023, 7:22 PM

I think the step up from Junior Football n Kerry to LOI football is quite the jump for Stephen right away. I would imagine he will need a few weeks to at least get up to speed. A great finisher and will be a very important player this year for the Team.

**culloty82** · 23/02/2023, 8:02 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1...3-M7wVOdQ&s=19
Kerry's first away game with a second away jersey?

Think that's the third strip being launched, the away shirt would clash with Bray's colours.

**culloty82** · 24/02/2023, 5:38 PM

Leo Gaxha, as expected, is promoted to tonight's starting line-up, along with Andy Quaid, but the surprise is that Teahan and O'Reilly, who were two of the better performers last week, make way - Kennedy and McGrath seemed more likely candidates to be benched.

**legendz** · 24/02/2023, 8:47 PM

I was surprised Teahan and O'Reilly hadn't started. Gaxha took his goal well. Disappointing to concede from the corner so soon after getting back into the game. Bray like Cobh last week showed more know how at this level.

**culloty82** · 24/02/2023, 9:00 PM

Yes, four out of the five goals conceded so far coming straight from set pieces must be a concern, and will generally prove pivotal in most games. Certainly can't afford to lose the Treaty match now, and even a draw would boost morale.

**Ducanto** · 25/02/2023, 2:08 AM

Just back in the door from Bray. Great little spot, never been in the town before. Friendly locals and good atmosphere, I wasn’t driving so had a few drinks before and after, definitely will stay up there next time, great little set up.

Thought McGrath was our best player tonight, silly footballer in fairness. Defending was poor especially for set pieces. As a team though both performances have been good, just not streetwise enough yet but that’ll come with time.

**legendz** · 25/02/2023, 12:17 PM

A heavy defeat will come if they don't sort out the defensive errors. Galway is the next away game. They'll have to park the team bus! Many teams have built on a strong defence.

**dansultheman** · 25/02/2023, 3:00 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

Yes, four out of the five goals conceded so far coming straight from set pieces must be a concern, and will generally prove pivotal in most games. Certainly can't afford to lose the Treaty match now, and even a draw would boost morale.

When you consider Guthrie and Spillane, two CB's who have won the division, you would expect them to marshal the team much better defending set pieces.

One person mentioned McGrath being the best performer? I would have to strongly disagree, Leo Gaxha looked dangerous every time he got the ball. McGrath and Keane really struggling and constantly giving the ball away in the first two games. Id be surprised to see them both start the Treaty game. We have a great forward line, but for them to really be effective, we need to be more dominant in the midfield, otherwise, they are feeding off scraps.

**legendz** · 25/02/2023, 4:19 PM

Originally Posted by dansultheman

When you consider Guthrie and Spillane, two CB's who have won the division, you would expect them to marshal the team much better defending set pieces.

One person mentioned McGrath being the best performer? I would have to strongly disagree, Leo Gaxha looked dangerous every time he got the ball. McGrath and Keane really struggling and constantly giving the ball away in the first two games. Id be surprised to see them both start the Treaty game. We have a great forward line, but for them to really be effective, we need to be more dominant in the midfield, otherwise, they are feeding off scraps.

Fair summary from the opening two games. The senior players are underperforming. The defence is leaky, conceding sloppy goals. McGrath played a bit better last night. Keane is struggling so far and giving the ball away. Billy will have to call all four in and go all Alex Ferguson with the hair dryer treatment. Gaxha has been the positive so far.