Bray Wanderers 3 Finn Harps 2
In an SSE Airtricity Men's First Division game that had virtually everything, Bray consolidated third place when denting Finn Harps’ play-off hopes in the process.
At a wet Carlisle Grounds on Friday, the Seagulls came from 1-0 then 2-1 down at half time to grab a dramatic 3-2 victory.
After Billy O’Neill’s brilliant equalising first half free kick, Wanderers lost midfielder Sean Brennan to two yellow cards. Then fell 2-1 behind just before the interval.
But the ten-man rallied to score two penalties by Max Murphy before the visitors had a player sent off before the final whistle.
There were three changes to the team who’d gone down away to Dundalk last week.
In came Max Murphy at left-back. Sean Brennan started in midfielder while Cian Curtis led the front line.
On the bench, Dylan Barnett, Flynn Ryan and Cristiano Bramley joined the substitutes.
Amid the horrendous rain, the Donegal outfit took a 27th minute lead.
Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa launched a long ball towards the right channel. Hans Kamta Mpongo swivelled between two opponents to break clear before hitting a bobbling finishing to the net from ten-yards.
But the Wicklow side equalised in style in the 33rd minute.
After Alain Kizenga was fouled just yards outside the box wide right, Billy O’Neill stepped up. And registered his seventh goal of the season with a stunning free-kick – that Barbosa got a hand to on its way to the net.
Four minutes later, Max Murphy found Kizenga by the right touchline. He fed O’Neill who slipped Max Mutphy in. But the defender blasted against the front post.
Having been booked by referee Darragh White in the 26th minute for a foul on Michael Place, Brenna challenged Place again on 39 which resulted in a red card for two yellow.
By 41, the away side were 2-1.
From Gavin McAteer’s corner off the left, Conor Tourish broke free at the near post to steer in a glancing header to the far corner of the net.
The Green and White’s went two up top for the start of the second period, with O’Neill partnering Cian Curtis in attack.
The woodwork denied Bray a 50th minute leveller as Cian Doyle burst into the 18-yard area from the right. But saw his drive come back off the near upright.
Wanderers had two major let off’s after that.
Mpongo beat the offside on the hour, but Jimmy Corcoran stood up strong to make the vital block one-on-one.
After Barbosa thwarted Justin Ferizaj on 62, the visitors missed a gilt edged chance on 66.
Substitute Gradi Lomboto picked out fellow reserve Aaron McLaughlin. But he scuffed wide with the goal at mercy.
The Seasiders made the most of it to restore parity on 76.
Doyle sprayed a ball to the right wing for O’Neill to chase down. He got past Kieran Cooney only to be hauled down inside the area.
Max Murphy made no mistake from the spot.
The amazing comeback was completed in the 88th minute.
Doyle again threaded a pass along the left flank for sub Cristiano Bramley to run onto. He held up two defenders then slipped a pass across to the onrushing O’Neill only to be caught Joel Bradley-Walsh inside the box.
Max Murphy continued his record breaking spree by slotting in his tenth penalty of the campaign.
Deep into injury, away midfielder Idir Yacine Zerrouk picked up a second yellow card and was sent off before the final whistle sparked celebrations in the home camp.
Bray Wanderers: Jimmy Corcoran; Alain Kizenga (Conor Knight 83), Kilian Cantwell, Harvey Warren, Max Murphy; Cian Doyle, Sean Brennan;
Billy O'Neill, Rhys Knight (Guillermo Almirall 83), Justin Ferizaj; Cian Curtis (Cristiano Bramley 83).
Subs not used: Dylan Barnett, Jamie Duggan, Paul Murphy, Flynn Ryan, Richard Ferizaj, Stephen McGuinness.
Booked: Max Murphy 50, Rhys Knight 64.
Sent off: Brennan (booked 26 and 39).
Finn Harps: Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa; Michael Place (Josh Cullen 83), Conor Tourish (Joel Bradley-Walsh 67), Max Hutchison, Kieran Cooney (Ibrahima-Pokou Bangoura 83); Oran Brogan; Idir Yacine Zerrouk, Gavin McAteer (Aaron McLaughlin 60), Tony McNamee, Gavin Hodgins (Gradi Lomboto 60); Hans Kamta Mpongo.
Subs not used: Max Johnston, Adam McDaid, Daniel Cunningham, Corey Sheridan.
Booked: Hodgins 32, Hutchinson 49, Tourish 45, Cooney 76, McLaughlin 81, Brogan 90 + 3.
Sent off: Zerrouk (booked64 and 90 + 6).
Referee: Darragh White (Dubin).
Pictures: Stefan and Harry Teehan.
Mint+ man of the match: Rhys Knight.
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