Bray Wanderers 0 Longford Town 2
It proved fourth time unlucky for Bray as they slipped to a disappointing 2-0 home loss at the hands of Longford.
The Seagulls had defeated the Midlanders in the three previous SSE Airtricity Men's First Division encounters’ in the 2025 season.
But a lacklustre display by the hosts – combined with a solid defensive display by the visitors, saw the away side leave the Carlisle Grounds on Friday with all three points.
The match saw yet another Academy graduate make the step up – as Flynn Ryan made his first-team debut as a second half substate.
By doing so, he followed in his father Ciaran’s footsteps in playing for their home town club.
The game also saw two sets of brothers play for the Wicklow outfit in the same fixture – with Rhys and Conor Knight; along with Richard and Justin Ferizaj, on the field at the same time in the second period.
There were two changes from the line-up who’d beaten Finn Harps at the same venue the week previous.
In came Benjamin Fagbemi at left back, with Conor Knight on the left-wing.
On the bench, on-loan midfielder Matthew Britton returned from injury to join the substitutes.
The Green and White’s started well, with Billy O’Neill’s 22-yard free in the 13th minute missing the target.
Then O’Neill’s 24th minute strike from outside the box was superbly tipped over Kian Moore.
Having sat back and soaked up the home pressure, Longford – somewhat against the run of play – took a 31st minute lead.
Dean George was possession ion the centre circle and witched play wide left to Pharrell Manuel. He laid the ball back for Aaron Doran to clip a cross into the penalty area. The ball took a deflection off a Bray play. George reacted to steer a ten-yard header in at the near post.
Wanderers responded in the 35th minute. Conor Knight linked with Rhys Knight with the older brother hitting a low 12-yard drive. But Kian Moore got down at the right hand post to push the ball out for a corner.
Just before the interval, at the other end, Sean O’Brien dinked a ball in from the right wing. But Sean Moore stooped to head wide close in.
The second period was tight. But devoid of clear cut chances.
On 69, George inadvertently almost doubled the Midlanders lead. But his cross from the right flank came back off the far post before being scrambled clear.
But the main moment came in the 78th minute.
The Seasiders lost the ball in the opposing half. Sean Moore played a ball forward for ex-Seagull Stefan Ugbesia to break clear. He then slotted low past Jimmy Corcoran from the ‘D.
Bray Wanderers: Jimmy Corcoran; Alain Kizenga, Kilian Cantwell, Harvey Warren, Benjamin Fagbemi (Jamie Duggan 62); Cian Doyle (Flynn Ryan 83); Billy O'Neill, Justin Ferizaj, Rhys Knight (Cristiano Bramley 71), Conor Knight (Guillermo Almirall 71); Cian Curtis (Richard Ferizaj 62).
Subs not used: Dylan Barnett, Paul Murphy, Matthew Britton, Stephen McGuinness.
Booked: Fagbemi 27, O’Neill 85, Almirall 90 + 5.
Longford Town: Kian Moore; Eric Yoro, Oisin Hand, Jamie Egan (Emre Topcu 61), Osaze Irhue; Aaron Doran, Sean Moore; Dean George (Daniel Norris 73), Alex O'Brien, Pharrell Manuel; Kyle Robinson (Stefan Ugbesia 61).
Subs not used: Aaron Walsh, Francis Campbell, Emmanuel James, Troy O'Dowd, Agbo Babatunde, Harry Halwax.
Booked: Doran 13, O’Brien 65, Kian Moore 76, Sean Moore 84.
Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).
Pictures: Paul Barrett.
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