Dundalk 0 Bray Wanderers 2
Bray picked up their first U17 EA SPORTS LOI Group A away win of the 2024 season by beating Dundalk.
Goals in each period by Billy O’Neill and Philip Cooney sealed the points on Sunday afternoon at Oriel Park.
Significantly, the game also marked the return to competitive action for midfielder Eric Schütte, who made his return from the injury that has kept him out of action for the last nine months.
The contest was played in very windy conditions, and the Wanderers (lining out for the first time in the Sky Blue third strip) had to play against the wind in the first half.
Despite the Lilywhites having the majority of the ball in the opening, Bray took the lead on the stroke of half time.
Rhys Knight – fresh from his first team debut – drove forward into midfield with the ball and played a through ball to O’Neill. He controlled well and slotted into the net with his second touch.
The second half was a much more even match,
But the crucial second goal came with ten minutes to go – in the Wicklow side’s favour.
O’Neill became provider, holding off two Dundalk defenders before sliding in Cooney to seal the three points with a fine finish.
Bray Wanderers: Alex Forde; Conor Lougheed, Jack Nolan, Luke Smith, Max Free; Aidan Kane, Eric Schütte; Cristiano Bramley, Rhys Knight, Phillip Cooney; Billy O’Neill.
Subs: Sean Hennelly, Flynn Ryan, Bailey Shelley, David Winkler.
* Elsewhere in the section, leaders Shelbourne beat Finn Harps 7-0 at the Letterkenny Community Centre, while second placed Bohemians overcame Drogheda United 3-1 at the Oscar Traynor Centre.
All three results mean Wanderers move up to fourth in the table, ahead of Dundalk. But have at least one game in hand on Bohs, Shels and Drogheda.
* Bray return to Ballycorus next Sunday to host Bohemians.
Pictures: Gerry Scully.
