Match Report Bray Wanderers 2 Kerry FC 0

Match Report 26.04.2024  

Bray Wanderers 2 Kerry FC 0 

First Division  

 

The records continued to tumble as Bray climbed up to third in the SSE Airtricity First Division table. Two second half goals by substitute Cristian Magerusan and top scorer Peter Grogan helped the Seagulls make it four wins in a row for the first time since 2020. In the process, Grogan netted for the fourth game in a row – the first player to do so since 2017 - as Wanderers continued their Indian sign over Kerry on Friday at the Carlisle Grounds. 

 

After a poor opening period, the Seasiders found their way through the visitors to register a third clean sheet in four outings. A stunning team move broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. Goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness launched a free forward from just outside his box. Magerusan – only on the pitch 90 seconds – headed wide left to fellow sub Zach Nolan who laid the ball off to Harry Groome. The midfielder sprayed the ball wide right to Max Murphy. He then found Freddie Turley down by the right corner flag. On his 50th appearance for the Wicklow club, full back Murphy whipped in a cross. 

Magerusan got ahead of his marker to side flick across goal and into the far corner of the net for his fourth score in all competitions of 2024. 

 

Then with 12 minutes to go, the home team sealed the points. Substitute Conor Knight won possession along the right of the halfway line to burst forward. 

He slipped in Magerusan whose shot on the swivel was thwarted by Antonio Tuta. But Grogan followed up the rebound off Magerusan to force the ball over the line from close range. In doing so, the Carlow native joined an illustrious group of Barry O’Connor, Colm Tresson Stephen Fox, Eamon Zayed (twice), Ger Pender and Gary McCabe of scoring in four consecutive fixtures. 

 

The victory continued Bray’s dominance over the team from the Kingdom. The Seagulls had won all four matches between the clubs in the 2023 season. 

And left Mounthawk Park last February with all three points after a 3-2 triumph. After their success over Treaty United last week, Darren Craven returned to the Wanderers starting line-up for the first time since March. Rhys Knight also returned to take his place amongst the substitutes. 

 

The first half was a tight affair with clear-cut chances at a premium. Grogan flashed a low drive across goal after just eight minutes. At the other end Daire McCarthy headed over after a 33rd minute corner. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Stephen McGuinness; Max Murphy, Kilian Cantwell, Paul Murphy, Evan Osam; Harry Groome, Freddie Turley (Conor Knight 77), Darren Craven (Cristian Magerusan 67), Shane Griffin, Kieran Cruise (Nolan half time); Peter Grogan (Guillermo Almirall 86). 

Subs not used: Jamie Duggan, Thomas Morgan, Rhys Knight, Ben Clark. 

 

Kerry FC: Antonio Tuta; Kevin Williams, Andrew Spain, Ethan Kos, Sean O’Connell; Daire McCarthy (Steven Healy 77), Ronan Teahan; Nathan Gleeson, Sean McGrath, Kennedy Amechi (Cian Brosnan 67); Victor Udeze (Ryan Kelleher half time). 

Subs not used: Jack Kavanagh, Valeri Dolia, Samuel Aladesanusi, Graham O’Reilly, Evison Rramani, Aaron O’Sullivan. 

 

Referee: Robert Dowling (Kildare). 

 

Pictures: Mick Hanney (Bray Camera Club). 

 

Mint+ Man of the Match: Peter Grogan.