Finn Harps 3 Bray Wanderers 4
Max Free grabbed a 96th minute injury time winner as Bray advanced to the Quarter Finals of the U15 Michael Hayes Cup.
After falling 1-0 then 2-1 behind in the second round tie on Sunday afternoon, Wanderers led 3-2 only to be pegged back to 3-3 late on.
There was also a sensational debut by new signing Barra Lynch who came off the bench to score twice – and also setting-up the winner.
Due to the weather, the match was moved from the Finn Harps Academy in Killygordon to the all-weather pitch at Letterkenny Community Centre.
The Donegal side hit the front in the seventh minute through a breakaway score.
But in the 20th minute, Billy O’Neill was taken down in the box. The Irish U15 striker picked himself up to covert the penalty.
However, just three minutes later, Harps restored their advantage with a spot kick of their own to lead 2-1 at the end of the opening period.
The Green and White’s brought on newcomer Barra Lynch in the 70th minute for what would be a game changing cameo.
Within five minutes, the new recruit from Larkview FC made it 2-2.
Then six minutes later, the Wicklow outfit led for the first time.
Barra Lynch combined with Cristiano Bramley and O’Neill and the ball was played out wide. From a pin point delivery, Barra Lynch found himself in a great position to volley to the net.
Yet, the Donegal club hit back to make it 3-3 in the 86th minute.
Just when it seemed the contest would go to extra time, the ball was delivered into the home box in the 96th minute. But but was cleared to Barra Lynch. He then who whipped a cross into danger zone for fellow sub Max Free to head in the winning goal.
Wanderers will now go into the hat for the last eight along with Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Waterford FC who all won this weekend.
Bohemians/Klub Kildare and Sligo Rovers/Galway United will complete the line-up.
Bray Wanderers: Liam Billings; Tadhg Worthington, Callum Kenna, Noah Byrne, Evan Lynch; Jake Fulton, Sean Howard; James Seberry, Cristiano Bramley, Adam Keene; Billy O’Neill.
Subs: Darragh Sherlock, Joshua O’Leary, Ryan Bell Mihaila, Sean Hennelly, Barra Lynch, Max Free, Alex Forde.
* Bray return to EA Sports League of Ireland Academy Tier 2 Action on Sunday July 30 when they travel to take on Longford Town at Bishopsgate.
Bray goal scorers Barra Lynch, Max Free and Billy O’Neill.
A superb debut for new signing Barra Lynch – two goals off the bench and the winning assist
