Bray up early for the cup

They say that you need to be up early to achieve anything in life, which means that Setanta Cup newcomers Bray Wanderers should have at least some kind of edge on all the rest when they open their competitive season with a home game against Glentoran on February 13.

Like the Dublin gaelic football team, the Seasiders have taken to starting their training sessions at 6.30am. “There’s a few cranky heads and I’m probably the crankiest,” grins manager Pat Devlin. “But it’s just a matter of adjustment. It will be easier in the summer months.”

The latest addition to the Bray ranks is a very familiar one, veteran marksman Jason Byrne having returned to the club where he began his League of Ireland career.

“Pat Devlin gave me that start and I’ve a lot to thank him for, so I think I owe him, coming back to Bray. He wants me to help out with what is a young team. Show the young lads my experience and hope that rubs off on them and they can have a good career like I’ve had.”

Yesterday’s first round draw also pitted Bohemians against Portadown, Lisburn Distillery against Derry City and, perhaps the pick of the ties, Cliftonville against St Patrick’s Athletic. The games will be two-legged affairs, the first leg on February 13 and the return on February 20.

Also on February 20, the draw will take place for the quarter-finals, with the four first-round winners coming up against seeded sides Crusaders, Linfield, Sligo Rovers and holders Shamrock Rovers.

Meanwhile, the FAI will today release the First Division fixture list for next season, although it will be conditional upon the conclusion of the club licensing process on February 12. Officials at Tralee Dynamoes and Cobh Ramblers last night said that they were still hoping to secure First Division licenses for the coming season, with a fresh vacancy having been confirmed in the second tier following the decision of the Galway United Supporters Trust not to amalgamate with either Salthill Devon or Mervue United.

In other domestic news, Derry City are expected to accept an offer from Burnley of around €245,000 for Daniel Lafferty while, continuing his inspirational recovery from a brain tumour, Mark Farren will sign a new contract with the Candystripes today. The ace goalscorer is four games shy of Liam Coyle’s club record.

Waterford United have re-signed David Breen and Gary Dunphy and added attacking midfielders Ben Ryan and Peter Higgins to their panel.

Cork City’s first pre-season friendly, against Wexford Youths, will take place tomorrow at Ardrath Park, Youghal at 7.45pm.