Galway United (u19) 3 Bray Wanderers (u19) 1
Three goals just before half time saw Bray go down to Galway at Maree Oranmore FC in Group A of the U19 EA Sports National Underage League on Sunday afternoon.
With a much-changed line-up that faced St. Patrick’s Athletic last Wednesday at Ballycorus, there were first starts of the 2022 season for both Kieran Mitchell-Lee and Thomas Downey.
Although United started strongly, the visitors grew into the contest. The match was score-less coming up to the half hour.
However, away goalkeeper Ben Clark received a head injury when making a brave save that saw him taken off to receive medical attention.
The Tribesmen then grabbed three quick-fire goals before the interval through David Tarmey’s hat-trick.
Bray were much better in the second half, controlling the ball and good phases of build-up play in the final third.
Midfielder Gavin Doyle imposed himself in the centre of the park. That culminated with him striking a cracking top corner shot from 30 yards to make it 3-1.
Left back Dan O’Boyle was playing well until forced off with a knock. Substitute keeper Kajus Aksamitas then made some crucial saves to deny the hosts.
Wanderers had big opportunities to reduce their deficit further through Sam Hayden and substitute Evan Harte but couldn’t convert them.
The club would like to wish goalkeeper Ben Clark a speedy recovery from injury. And thank Galway for the help during his medical attention.
Bray Wanderers: Ben Clark; Kieran Mitchell-Lee, Luke O’Connor, Evan Laughlin, Dan O’Boyle; Sam Hayden, Gavin Doyle; Thomas Downey, Hayden Roche, Zach Donoghue; Evan Harte.
Subs: Josh McGlone, Ben Clarke, Jack Kehoe, Jack Curran, Cillian Melwani, Ben Houton, Sean McLean, Kajus Aksamitas.
Pictures by Des O’Connor.