BRAY WANDERERS 3
LONGFORD TOWN 1
Two late goals saw Bray reach the Quarter Finals of the U15 Michael Hayes Cup.
Needing a victory on Sunday afternoon at Ballycorus against Longford, and needing Bohemians to overcome Dundalk at the same time, both results went Wanderers’ way as they secured runners-up in Group B.
Having lost 3-1 to Bohs and 4-3 to Dundalk previously in the section, the final score-line meant Bray finished level on three points alongside both Dundalk and Longford.
But with Bohs defeating Dundalk 8-4 at Oriel Park, it meant the Seagulls had a goal difference of -1 compared to the Lilywhite’s (-4) and the Midlanders (-5).
Coming out for the last 30 minutes at 1-1, the Green and White’s took a 76th minute lead.
A quickly taken free down the left channel saw Max Colbert send in a low cross. The ball rebounded off two ‘Town defenders and then hit the foot of the far post before crossing the line.
Then in the 84th minute, a brilliant pass wide right by Rhys Knight released Ethan Cheese. His centre across the six-yard area saw Leon O’Sullivan convert close-in to seal victory.
The Wicklow side had dominated the opening half hour. With Janek Sarwinski and Ciaran Leeson constantly breaking off either flank, the strike duo of Colbert and Emmett went close on several occasion with away goalkeeper Jack Brehony making a series of stops.
The second third was only two minutes old when Knight and Sarwinski linked off the right wing to set-up Eric Schütte. His dipping 20-yard shot struck the bar and bounced down before the line.
Having been on the backfoot, the visitors took a 38th minute lead – somewhat against the run of play.
A miss-placed Bray pass was gathered by Stefan Mihai. He ran and struck a low drive from the edge of the box that nestled in the bottom left corner of the net.
But Wanderers levelled in the 54th minute.
Knight showed good close control by the right end-line. A Longford player tried to clear but Emmett nipped in only to be brought down inside the box. The forward picked himself up to slot in the spot-kick.
Bray Wanderers: Joe Collins; Jack Nolan, Ross Young, Ronan Dawson; Eric Schütte; Janek Sarwinski, Ethan Cheese, Rhys Knight, Ciaran Leeson;
Max Colbert, Leon O’Sullivan.
Subs: Aidan Kane, Dylan Bourke, Darragh Emmett, Alain Kizenga, Sam Baker.
* Bray begin their EA SPORTS U15 National League of Ireland Phase 2 (Tier 2) campaign on Sunday July 3 by hosting Sligo Rovers at Ballycorus |(kick-off 2.30pm).