Dundalk 1 Bray Wanderers 1
A very depleted Bray team secured a vital U19 LOI Academy League Tier 2 (North) point away to Dundalk.
The young Seagulls took the lead in the second half at Oriel Park on Sunday afternoon. But had to settle for a point in the top of the table clash.
It was the third meeting of the clubs in the 35 days. Dundalk had won the reverse league fixture 4-1 at the Woodlands in Greystones last month.
But the Green and White’s bounced back a week later to win the Enda McGuill Cup tie 4-2 at the same venue.
No less than eight players of the squad of 17 who travelled to Louth are currently eligible for the U17 squad.
With three midfield players playing in away defence, the visitors were put under pressure from the start.
A combination of poor finishing by the Lilywhite’s coupled with a series of last ditch Wanderers defending kept the score blank at half time.
Bray came into the game more in the second half and took the lead on the hour mark.
Luca Mulhare’s close range effort was saved by the home goalkeeper Jamie Ryan, but Thomas Morgan was on hand to tap in the rebound.
Unfortunately, that advantage did last long as Dundalk replied with a goal of their own almost immediately in the 61st minute through Callum Bonner.
Both sides had chances to win it before the final whistle but had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Elsewhere, Sligo Rovers defeated Longford Town 4-2 at the Showgrounds.
The two results mean Sligo lead the way on 22 points. Dundalk are second on 19 points with Bray third on 16 points.
All three clubs have played nine of their scheduled 12 league matches.
Bray Wanderers: Jamie Molloy; Alain Kizenga, Brent Culbert, Leon Ajala; Joshua Kerr, Harry Sherlock, Luca Mulhare; Roland Olakanye, Thomas Morgan, Daniel Chukwu; Lewis Jacobs.
Subs: Ben Clarke, Callum Goad, Alex Nolan, Paddy Kildee-Doolan, Dylan Ryan, Caleb O’Neill, Alexander Kearney.
* Bray are due to face Galway United on Sunday October 1 in the Semi Final of the Enda McGuill Cup. Kick-off at the Carlisle Grounds is set for 2.00pm.