Treaty United vs Bray: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 by Steve
Match Overview
Cian Curtis Signs For 2026 – Treaty United FC
Treaty United welcome Bray Wanderers to the Markets Field on Friday evening for a crucial SSE Airtricity Men's First Division encounter that promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with vastly different ambitions this season. The Shannonsiders find themselves languishing near the bottom of the table after a difficult campaign, while the Seagulls have established themselves as genuine promotion contenders, sitting comfortably in the upper reaches of the division and looking to maintain their momentum heading into the summer months. This fixture represents a significant challenge for Tommy Barrett's men, who will need to produce one of their best performances of the season if they are to take anything from a Bray side that has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, scoring freely and demonstrating the kind of attacking prowess that has made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the division.
The reverse fixture earlier this season at the Carlisle Grounds ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with both teams showing their attacking capabilities in an end-to-end contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. However, Bray's recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Wicklow outfit putting together a series of impressive results that have seen them climb the table and establish themselves as serious contenders for the promotion play-off positions. Their ability to find the back of the net with regularity has been a hallmark of their campaign, and they will be confident of adding to their goal tally against a Treaty United defence that has struggled to keep clean sheets throughout the 2026 season. For Treaty, this match represents an opportunity to halt a worrying run of form and begin to climb away from the relegation zone, but they will need to be at their very best to contain a Bray attack that has been firing on all cylinders.
The historical context of this fixture adds an extra layer of intrigue, as these two sides met in the 2025 First Division Promotion Play-Off Final, where Bray Wanderers emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win at Athlone Town Stadium, denying Treaty United a place in the Premier Division. That defeat still lingers in the memory of the Limerick faithful, and there will be no shortage of motivation among the home players to exact a measure of revenge on the visitors. However, football is a game played in the present, and the current form guide heavily favors the away side, who have been one of the most consistent teams in the division throughout the 2026 campaign. With Paul Heffernan continuing to build an impressive squad at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray will arrive in Limerick full of confidence and determined to claim all three points to keep their promotion push on track.
Tactical Preview
Cobh Ramblers hammered by Bray Wanderers in blow to play-off push
Formation & Key Matchups
Treaty United 4-2-3-1
Treaty United have predominantly operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Tommy Barrett this season, looking to build from the back through their midfield pivot and create opportunities for their attacking players to exploit space in behind opposition defences. The key to their approach has been the link-up play between their midfielders and the lone striker, with Cian Curtis often dropping deep to receive the ball and bring others into play. However, this system has been vulnerable to teams that press high and force errors in dangerous areas, and Bray Wanderers are exactly the type of side that can exploit such weaknesses. The Shannonsiders will need to be disciplined in their defensive shape and look to hit Bray on the counter-attack, using the pace of their wide players to stretch the Seagulls' backline. The battle in midfield will be crucial, as Treaty look to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, but they must be wary of Bray's ability to transition quickly from defence to attack.
Bray Wanderers 4-4-2
Bray Wanderers have favored a 4-4-2 formation under Paul Heffernan, with two mobile strikers leading the line and a hard-working midfield quartet providing both defensive cover and attacking support. This system has allowed them to press effectively high up the pitch and win the ball back in advanced areas, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities through their relentless work rate and intelligent movement. The wide players are key to Bray's success, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses into the box, while the central midfielders look to control the tempo and pick passes that unlock stubborn defences. Against Treaty United, Bray will look to dominate possession and force the home side into errors, using their superior athleticism and technical quality to create openings. The Seagulls' ability to switch play quickly and exploit space on the flanks will be a major concern for Treaty, who have struggled to deal with teams that attack with pace and width this season.
Critical Vulnerability
The critical vulnerability for Treaty United lies in their defensive transition and inability to cope with teams that attack with pace and numbers. Bray Wanderers have demonstrated time and again this season that they are capable of exploiting space in behind defences, particularly when teams commit players forward and leave themselves exposed at the back. Treaty have conceded a worrying number of goals from counter-attacking situations and set-pieces, and Bray's aerial threat and movement off the ball will test the home side's defensive organization to the limit. If Treaty are to have any chance of getting a positive result, they must maintain a compact defensive shape and avoid overcommitting in attack, as Bray have the quality to punish any lapses in concentration with ruthless efficiency. The Seagulls have scored 32 goals in 18 league games this season, averaging an impressive 1.78 goals per game, and they will be confident of adding to that tally against a Treaty defence that has conceded 27 goals in the same number of matches.
Team News & Squad Status
Treaty United 📉
- Jack Brady (GK) - Expected to start between the posts, providing experience and leadership from the back.
- Ben Lynch (DF) - Key defender who has been a consistent presence in the backline throughout the season.
- Eric Yoro (DF) - The Longford Town recruit has added steel to the Treaty defence since arriving in the winter transfer window.
- Darren Nwankwo (DF) - Physical presence at the heart of defence, will need to be at his best to contain Bray's attack.
- Fionn Doherty (DF) - Young defender who has shown promise but will face a stern test against experienced opponents.
- Steven Healy (MF) - Creative midfielder who provides the link between defence and attack, crucial to Treaty's game plan.
- Colin Conroy (MF) - Hard-working central midfielder who will be tasked with breaking up Bray's attacking moves.
- Mark Byrne (MF) - Winger with pace and trickery, Treaty will look to him to provide width and service to the frontmen.
- Niko Kozlowski (MF) - Technical midfielder who can unlock defences with his passing range and vision.
- Cian Curtis (FW) - The club's top scorer with 6 goals this season, signed from Bray Wanderers in the winter and will be eager to prove a point against his former employers.
- Ben Feeney (FW) - Athlone Town recruit who has added firepower to the Treaty attack, dangerous in and around the box.
- Unavailable: Roy Lawlor (suspension), Jason Folarin-Oyenuga (injured), Brian Cunningham (doubtful).
Bray Wanderers 📈
- Jimmy Corcoran (GK, Captain) - The reliable shot-stopper and captain has been a cornerstone of Bray's success this season.
- Declan Osagie (DF, on loan from Bohemians) - Young centre-back who has impressed with his composure and reading of the game.
- Benjamin Fagbemi (DF) - Solid defender who provides physicality and aerial dominance in the backline.
- Jamie Duggan (DF) - Versatile full-back who loves to get forward and support the attack with overlapping runs.
- Mark Chidi (DF) - English defender who has brought experience and quality to the Seagulls' defence.
- Sean Brennan (MF) - Creative force in midfield, his passing and vision have been instrumental in Bray's attacking play.
- Ben McCormack (MF) - One of the division's standout players with 6 goals this season, his movement and finishing make him a constant threat.
- Cian Doyle (MF, Vice-Captain) - The vice-captain provides leadership and energy in the engine room, breaking up play and driving the team forward.
- Conor Knight (MF) - Industrious midfielder who covers every blade of grass and provides the platform for others to flourish.
- Ifunanyachi Achara (FW) - The Nigerian forward has been a revelation, his pace and power causing nightmares for defences across the division.
- Dan Ring (FW, on loan from Shelbourne) - Young striker with an eye for goal, his movement off the ball creates space for teammates.
- Unavailable: Alain Kizenga (doubtful), Richard Ferizaj (injured), Tyreik Sammy (suspension).
Predicted Lineups
Treaty United goalkeeper Jack Brady willing to fight for number one spot - Limerick's Live 95
| Treaty United 4-2-3-1 | Bray Wanderers 4-4-2 |
|---|---|
| Jack Brady (GK) | Jimmy Corcoran (GK, C) |
| Fionn Doherty (RB) | Jamie Duggan (RB) |
| Eric Yoro (CB) | Declan Osagie (CB) |
| Darren Nwankwo (CB) | Benjamin Fagbemi (CB) |
| Ben Lynch (LB) | Mark Chidi (LB) |
| Colin Conroy (CDM) | Sean Brennan (RM) |
| Steven Healy (CDM) | Cian Doyle (CM, VC) |
| Mark Byrne (RW) | Conor Knight (CM) |
| Niko Kozlowski (CAM) | Ben McCormack (LM) |
| Mark Murphy (LW) | Ifunanyachi Achara (ST) |
| Cian Curtis (ST) | Dan Ring (ST) |
Head-to-Head Record
Kelly nets late, late winner as Bray Wanderers fight back to beat Kerry FC | Irish Independent
The rivalry between Treaty United and Bray Wanderers has produced some memorable encounters over the years, with the two sides meeting regularly in the First Division and producing tightly contested affairs that have often had significant implications for the league table. The historical record is remarkably balanced, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance in this fixture. The most significant meeting in recent memory came in November 2025, when the two sides faced off in the First Division Promotion Play-Off Final at Athlone Town Stadium, with Bray Wanderers emerging victorious by a single goal to nil, securing their place in the Premier Division play-offs and breaking Treaty hearts in the process. That result still resonates with both sets of supporters and adds an extra dimension to this encounter, as Treaty look to settle a score and Bray aim to maintain their psychological edge over their Munster rivals.
In their most recent encounters, the balance has shifted firmly in Bray's favor. The Seagulls have won four of the last six meetings between the two sides, including a crucial 1-0 victory at the Markets Field in February 2026 that demonstrated their ability to grind out results even in hostile environments. The reverse fixture at the Carlisle Grounds in May 2026 ended in a 2-2 draw, a thrilling contest that showcased the attacking quality of both teams but ultimately left Treaty disappointed as they had led twice before being pegged back. Bray's ability to find the net against Treaty has been a consistent theme, with the Wicklow side scoring in 8 of their last 10 meetings and averaging over two goals per game in this fixture during the 2025 and 2026 campaigns. For Treaty, the challenge is clear: they must find a way to shut down Bray's potent attack while still posing a threat at the other end of the pitch, a balance that has eluded them in recent encounters between these two sides.
Key Players Comparison
Cian Curtis (Treaty United)
6 Goals | 2 Assists | 18 Apps
The former Bray Wanderers striker has been Treaty United's most reliable source of goals this season, using his intelligent movement and clinical finishing to keep the Shannonsiders competitive in tight matches. His knowledge of the Bray players and their tendencies could prove invaluable.
Ben McCormack (Bray Wanderers)
6 Goals | 4 Assists | 18 Apps
The midfield maestro has been the heartbeat of Bray's promotion push, combining creativity with a goal threat that makes him one of the most complete players in the division. His ability to arrive late in the box and score from distance makes him a nightmare to mark.
Jack Brady (Treaty United)
18 Apps | 2 Clean Sheets | 27 Goals Conceded
The experienced goalkeeper has been one of the few consistent performers in a struggling Treaty side, making crucial saves to keep his team in matches. He will need to be at his very best to keep Bray's attack at bay.
Ifunanyachi Achara (Bray Wanderers)
5 Goals | 3 Assists | 16 Apps
The Nigerian forward has brought pace, power and unpredictability to Bray's attack, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in the First Division. His ability to run in behind defences will be a major concern for Treaty.
The individual battles across the pitch will be fascinating to watch, but none more so than the duel between Cian Curtis and his former Bray teammates. Curtis made the switch from the Carlisle Grounds to the Markets Field in the winter transfer window and has been a shining light in an otherwise difficult season for Treaty. His understanding of how Bray operate and his personal connections with the players on the opposing side could give him a unique advantage, but it also means that the Bray defenders will know exactly what to expect from him. In midfield, the clash between Steven Healy and Sean Brennan will be crucial, as both players look to dictate the tempo and create opportunities for their respective teams. Healy's combative style against Brennan's more cultured approach should make for an intriguing contest. At the back, Darren Nwankwo and Eric Yoro will have their hands full trying to contain the movement and pace of Achara and Ring, while Bray's defence will need to be wary of the threat posed by Curtis and the pace of Mark Byrne on the counter-attack.
The Managers
Tommy Barrett (Treaty United)
Tommy Barrett has been at the helm of Treaty United since the club's inception and has overseen a period of steady growth that saw the team establish itself as a competitive force in the First Division. The Limerick native has built a reputation for developing young talent and playing attractive, attacking football, but the 2026 season has presented him with perhaps his biggest challenge yet. With the departure of top scorer Lee Devitt to Galway United and a significant turnover in the squad during the winter transfer window, Barrett has been forced to rebuild his team on the fly, integrating new signings like Cian Curtis, Ben Feeney, and Eric Yoro into a cohesive unit. The results have been mixed, with Treaty struggling for consistency and finding themselves in the lower reaches of the table, but Barrett remains confident that his team can turn things around and finish the season strongly.
Barrett's approach to the game is built on possession-based football and a commitment to playing out from the back, but he has shown a pragmatic side when necessary, adapting his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad and the demands of individual matches. Against Bray, he will need to strike the perfect balance between attack and defence, encouraging his team to be bold while also ensuring they are not exposed at the back. His ability to motivate his players and instill belief in a squad that has suffered some heavy defeats this season will be crucial, as Treaty look to defy the odds and claim a famous victory over their promotion-chasing rivals. Barrett's knowledge of the First Division and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at this level make him the ideal man to guide Treaty through this difficult period, but he will need his players to execute his game plan to perfection if they are to overcome a Bray side that has been one of the form teams in the division.
Paul Heffernan (Bray Wanderers)
Paul Heffernan is embarking on his third season at the Carlisle Grounds, having taken over from Ian Ryan in late 2024, and he has transformed Bray Wanderers into one of the most formidable teams in the First Division. The former striker has brought a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Seagulls, instilling a sense of belief and ambition that has been reflected in their performances on the pitch. Under Heffernan's guidance, Bray have developed a clear identity, playing high-tempo, attacking football that has made them a joy to watch and a nightmare to play against. His recruitment has been shrewd, bringing in players like Ifunanyachi Achara, Mark Chidi, and Dan Ring who have added quality and depth to a squad that was already brimming with talent. The results speak for themselves, with Bray sitting in the top four and firmly in contention for the promotion play-offs as the season reaches its midpoint.
Heffernan's man-management skills have been a key factor in Bray's success, as he has created a positive environment in which players feel confident and empowered to express themselves. His tactical flexibility has also been evident, with the ability to switch formations and approaches depending on the opposition and the demands of individual matches. Against Treaty United, he will be looking for his team to impose themselves from the first whistle, using their superior quality and confidence to dominate possession and create chances. However, he will also be wary of the threat posed by a Treaty side that has nothing to lose and everything to gain, and he will remind his players that complacency is their biggest enemy in a fixture that has historically produced surprises. Heffernan's experience as a player at the highest level gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed, and he will be determined to guide his team to another victory as they continue their push for promotion to the Premier Division.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 2.10
Bray Wanderers have been in outstanding form throughout the 2026 season, sitting in 4th place with 27 points from 18 games and boasting a potent attack that has scored 32 goals. Their recent run of results has been particularly impressive, with victories over Cobh Ramblers (5-1), Wexford (4-0), and a hard-fought draw against league leaders Cork City (1-1) demonstrating their quality and resilience. Treaty United, by contrast, have struggled mightily, managing just 3 wins all season and sitting in 10th place with 15 points. Their defence has conceded 27 goals, and they have lost their last 3 consecutive matches heading into this fixture. The head-to-head record also favors Bray, who have won 8 of the 22 meetings between the two sides and have been victorious in 4 of the last 6 encounters. With their superior quality, form, and confidence, Bray Wanderers are the clear favorites to claim all three points at the Markets Field.
Odds: 1.85
This fixture has historically produced goals, and both teams have shown a tendency to be involved in high-scoring matches this season. Bray Wanderers have averaged 1.78 goals per game in the league, while Treaty United have been involved in matches with an average of 2.44 goals. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 2-2 draw, and the last meeting at the Markets Field in February 2026 saw Bray claim a 1-0 victory. However, Bray's recent attacking form has been exceptional, with 16 goals scored in their last 5 matches, while Treaty have managed 5 goals in the same period despite their struggles. Given the attacking talent on display, including Cian Curtis for Treaty and Ben McCormack and Ifunanyachi Achara for Bray, there is every reason to expect a match with multiple goals. The over 2.5 goals market offers excellent value at 1.85, and it is our top pick for bettors looking for a solid return.
Odds: 1.75
Despite Treaty United's struggles this season, they have shown that they can find the back of the net, particularly through the goals of Cian Curtis, who has 6 league goals to his name. The Shannonsiders have scored in 7 of their 9 home games this season, and they will be motivated to perform in front of their own supporters against a Bray side that they have a history with. Bray Wanderers, meanwhile, have been prolific in front of goal, scoring in 15 of their 18 league matches and demonstrating a remarkable consistency in their attacking output. Their defensive record has been solid but not impenetrable, conceding 24 goals in 18 games, and they have kept just 4 clean sheets all season. With both teams likely to adopt an attacking approach and the historical precedent of goals in this fixture, the both teams to score market looks like a strong bet at 1.75.
Odds: 2.40
Ben McCormack has been one of the standout players in the First Division this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 4 assists in 18 appearances for Bray Wanderers. The midfielder has a knack for arriving in the box at the right time and has scored with both his feet and his head, making him a versatile threat that is difficult to mark. His recent form has been particularly impressive, with goals in Bray's victories over Cobh Ramblers and Wexford, and he will be confident of adding to his tally against a Treaty defence that has struggled to contain opposition attackers. McCormack's ability to score from distance and his composure in front of goal make him an excellent anytime scorer bet at 2.40, and he is our pick to find the net in this encounter.
Odds: 12.00
For bettors looking for a higher-risk, higher-reward option, the correct score market offers some intriguing possibilities. Our prediction of a 1-3 victory for Bray Wanderers is based on a detailed analysis of both teams' form, their head-to-head record, and the tactical matchups across the pitch. Treaty United have the quality to score at home, particularly through Cian Curtis, who will be motivated against his former club, but Bray's superior firepower and defensive organization should see them claim a comfortable victory. A 1-3 scoreline would reflect the balance of play that we anticipate, with Treaty managing a consolation goal but Bray proving too strong in the final third. At odds of 12.00, this represents excellent value for punters who are willing to take a chance on a specific outcome.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Our prediction of a 1-3 victory for Bray Wanderers is based on a comprehensive analysis of both teams' form, their head-to-head record, and the tactical dynamics of this fixture. Treaty United have struggled throughout the 2026 season, managing just 3 wins from 18 games and conceding 27 goals in the process. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, with three consecutive defeats leaving them second from bottom in the table and facing a battle to avoid the relegation play-off spot. While they have shown flashes of quality, particularly in the final third where Cian Curtis has been a reliable source of goals, their defensive vulnerabilities have been repeatedly exposed by teams with the quality to punish mistakes. Against a Bray side that has been in free-scoring form, scoring 16 goals in their last 5 matches, Treaty will face their toughest test of the season.
Bray Wanderers, by contrast, have been one of the form teams in the division, sitting in 4th place with 27 points and a goal difference of +8. Their attacking statistics are particularly impressive, with 32 goals scored at an average of 1.78 per game, and they have shown a remarkable ability to break down stubborn defences with their movement, pace, and clinical finishing. The combination of Ben McCormack's creativity, Ifunanyachi Achara's pace, and Dan Ring's intelligent movement off the ball has made Bray one of the most exciting teams to watch in the First Division, and they will be confident of adding to their goal tally against a Treaty defence that has kept just 2 clean sheets all season. While Treaty will have the advantage of playing at home and will be motivated by the desire to avenge their play-off final defeat, the gulf in quality and form between these two sides is significant, and we expect Bray to claim a comfortable victory that keeps their promotion push firmly on track.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Bray Wanderers have scored 32 goals in 18 league games this season, averaging 1.78 goals per game - the third-highest tally in the First Division.
- Treaty United have conceded 27 goals in 18 games, giving them the second-worst defensive record in the division, with only Finn Harps conceding more.
- Bray have won 4 of the last 6 meetings between these two sides, including a crucial 1-0 victory at the Markets Field in February 2026.
- Cian Curtis has been directly involved in 8 goals for Treaty United this season (6 goals, 2 assists), making him the club's most important attacking player.
- Ben McCormack has scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists for Bray Wanderers, making him one of the most productive midfielders in the First Division.
- Treaty United have lost their last 3 consecutive matches, scoring just 2 goals and conceding 6 in that period.
- Bray Wanderers are unbeaten in their last 5 away games, winning 3 and drawing 2, and have scored 11 goals in those matches.
- The reverse fixture at the Carlisle Grounds in May 2026 ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing their attacking capabilities.
- Treaty United have kept just 2 clean sheets in 18 league games this season, the lowest total in the First Division.
- Bray Wanderers have scored in 15 of their 18 league matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency in their attacking output.
- The average number of goals in meetings between these two sides over the last three seasons is 2.8 per game.
- Treaty United have won just 1 of their last 10 home games, drawing 4 and losing 5, highlighting their struggles at the Markets Field.
Conclusion
This First Division encounter between Treaty United and Bray Wanderers promises to be an entertaining affair, with both teams possessing the attacking quality to create chances and find the back of the net. However, the form guide and the historical record both point towards a victory for the visitors, who have been in outstanding form throughout the 2026 season and have demonstrated their superiority over Treaty in recent meetings. Bray Wanderers' promotion push has gathered significant momentum in recent weeks, and they will be determined to maintain their challenge with another three points on the road. Their attacking prowess, led by the likes of Ben McCormack and Ifunanyachi Achara, should prove too much for a Treaty defence that has struggled to contain opposition attackers all season.
For Treaty United, this match represents another opportunity to turn their season around and begin the climb away from the relegation zone. The presence of Cian Curtis, who knows the Bray players intimately from his time at the Carlisle Grounds, gives them a genuine threat in the final third, and they will be hoping to exploit any complacency in the visiting ranks. However, the reality is that Bray are a team on a mission, and their professionalism and quality should see them through what is likely to be a competitive but ultimately one-sided contest. A 1-3 victory for the Seagulls would be a fair reflection of the current gulf between these two sides, and it would keep their promotion dreams alive as the season reaches its critical midpoint.
As always in the League of Ireland First Division, anything can happen on the day, and Treaty United will draw inspiration from their passionate home support and the desire to avenge their play-off final heartbreak. But the statistics, the form, and the quality of the respective squads all point in one direction, and we expect Bray Wanderers to leave Limerick with all three points and another step closer to the promotion play-offs. For bettors, the away win, over 2.5 goals, and both teams to score markets all offer attractive value, while the correct score of 1-3 provides a speculative option for those looking for a bigger return. Whatever the outcome, this promises to be a fascinating encounter that showcases the best of Irish domestic football.