Bray Wanderers 0
Dundalk 1
Bray’s bid for an extended Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup run ended this season against 12-time winners Dundalk.
Just when it seemed extra time would be needed, Republic of Ireland winger Daryl Horgan popped up with the winning score in the 86th minute.
Connor Malley lofted into the box. Lilywhites record goal scorer Patrick Hoban rose between two defenders to knock down a header.
It dropped to Horgan, and he took a touch 15-yards out before his shot took a wicked deflection off the challenging Cole Omorehiomwan into the roof of the net.
Despite the torrential rain, the impressive playing surface at the Carlisle Grounds stood up to the wet conditions on Storm Betty took hold.
There was doubts before kick-off whether the round two contest would go ahead. But despite the downpour, it was completed.
From the team who’d drawn with Cobh last week, there was one change for the hosts with defender Len O’Sullivan coming in the starting XI.
On the bench skipper Dave Webster came returned. He was joined amongst the substitutes by U19 players Zach Nolan and Daniel Chukwu.
Dundalk – with the strong wind at the backs – enjoyed the lions share of possession in the opening period against their dogged but disciplined First Division opposition.
The away side were awarded a 24th minute penalty when Seán Quinn felled John Martin in the box.
But Connor Malley’s spot-kick crashed back off the crossbar.
The top-flight outfit went close again just before the interval. Archie Davies centre from the right saw John Martin’s dibbing header come up off the ground. But hit the outside of the bar.
After a fine rear-guard action in the incessant rain, Wanderers again defended well after the interval – with the wind at their backs.
The Green and White’s went close on 72. From Guillermo Almirall’s pass wide left for O’Sullivan, the cross was only cleared to the waiting Callum Thompson. But he blasted wide from just outside the box.
The Louth side thought they’d broken the dead-lock two minutes later. Former Seagull Daniel Kelly squeezed the ball past Matt Connor. But the covering Quinn got back to hack off the goal-line.
After Horgan’s goal, the home team had a chance to equalise in stoppage time. Darren Craven cut in from the right, but his effort was high and wide.
Bray Wanderers: Matt Connor; Max Murphy, Seán Quinn, Cole Omorehiomwan, Dane Massey; Callum Thompson, Conor Crowley (Harry Groome 68), Guillermo Almirall, Len O’Sullivan (Jake Walker 89); Darren Craven; Ben Feeney (Yoyo Mahdy 68 – Daniel Chukwu 81).
Subs not used: Jack Hudson, Dave Webster, Conor Knight, Zach Nolan, Alex Moody.
Dundalk: Nathan Shepperd; Archie Davies, Darren Brownlie, Louie Annesley, Robbie McCourt; Connor Malley; Daniel Kelly, Johannes Yli-Kokko (Alfie Lewis 75), Daryl Horgan, Ryan O’Kane (Samuel Durrant 39); John Martin (Patrick Hoban 75).
Subs not used: Darragh Leahy, Andrew Boyle, Gregory Sloggett, Cameron Elliott, Peter Cherrie, Mark Byrne
Referee: Rob Hennessey (Kildare).
Pictures: Gerry Kelly (Bray Camera Club).
