Bray goal scorers Evan Harte (2), Josh McGlone and Zach Donohue.
Bray Wanderers 4 Finn Harps 2
The player pathway continued to produce the goods as Bray claimed all three EA Sports U19 Tier 2 Phase 2 National Underage League points.
The trio of Evan Harte (2), Josh McGlone and Zach Donohue all scored at the Carlisle Grounds on Sunday afternoon to see off Finn Harps.
When the two teams faced off in the reverse fixture last August at Finn Park, the Donegal side won 1-0.
But that result never looked likely at the second time of asking as the Wicklow club flew out of the traps.
Having scored his first senior goal against Wexford FC at Ferrycarrig Park the previous Friday, Harte was determined to continue his scoring streak.
The striker saw his 11th minute header tipped onto the crossbar by Oisin Farrell.
Less than 60 seconds later, the attacker could not get the vital touch unmarked at the back post to Donohue’s low centre.
By the forward got it right in the 14th minute.
Goalkeeper Jack Ross’ clearance went right. In his own half, defender Callum Goad controlled with chest. Then released Harte down the right channel. Skipping past the challenging Farrell, the number 9 evaded another challenge in the box before scoring with a low finish despite a defender on the goal-line.
Somewhat against the run of the play, the visitors equalised in the 37th minute.
From Jamie McDaid’s lofted left-wing cross, Ross came to punch, He got the ball. But referee David Connolly deemed the custodian also got Nathan Plumb and pointed to the spot. Damian Duffy converted the penalty.
Early in the second half, Harte curled just wide on 48 before Duffy’s low drive was superbly turned onto his post by the diving Ross.
Three goals in an 18-minute spell then secured victory for the Seagulls.
Taking possession just outside his own box, central defender Don O’Toole measured a 55th minute ball over the top down the left flank for Josh McGlone to chase down. With the Bray native having made his senior debut against Wexford less than 48 hours earlier, he guided a low placed shot past Farrell and a defender on the line.
It got even better in the 63rd minute. With O’Toole the provider again, team captain Donohue – who had made his full senior debut in Wexford – headed the ball on after getting in behind the Harps defence to drill low to the net at the near post with a 15-yard left-footed effort on the run.
It became 4-1 in the 73rd minute. Sub Gavin Doyle switched play from the left to wide right to Jake Murray. The winger burst past a defender to get to the endline. And cut the ball back for Harte to side-foot in low from eight-yards.
The away side rallied late on and pulled one back in the 78th minute.
Defender Brendan McLaughlin played a raking ball over the top from the left near the halfway line. Sub Marc Doherty controlled and faced with a one-on-one with Ross, he slotted low to the net from 12-yards.
Bray Wanderers: Jack Ross; Callum Goad, Don O’Toole, Evan Laughlin,
Daniel O’Boyle; Ben Clarke, Jack Kehoe; Jack Murray, Josh McGlone, Zach Donohue; Evan Harte.
Subs: Gavin Doyle, Thomas Downey, Brandon Nangle, Kieran Mitchell-Lees, Kajus Aksamitas.
Finn Harps: Oisin Farrell; Jamie McKinney, Ryan Creevy, Kevin Jordan, Brendan McLaughlin; Ruadhan Feeney, Damian Duffy; Jamie McDaid, Nathan Plumb, Evan Keown; Adam McCaffrey.
Subs: Ryan Galvin. Max Johnston, Jay Bradley, Darragh Coyle, Marc Doherty.
Referee: David Connolly. Assistants: Wayne McDonnell, Ciaran Delaney.
* In what will be their final away match of the 2022 season, Bray are on their travels on Sunday October 9. They will take on Treaty United at the University of Limerick. Kick-off is set for 2.00pm.