Bray Wanderers 2 Wexford FC 1
A new-look Bray kicked off the 2026 season by beating Wexford 2-1 in their opening PTSB LFA Leinster Senior Cup Group D fixture.
At a rain drenched Carlisle Grounds on Tuesday evening, first Senior goals by Leon Keogh then Max McLaugfhlin saw the Seagulls to victory.
The club’s player pathway was there yet again.
There was a first-ever first team appearance for Ethan Cheese, while Jack Lawless, Flynn Ryan, McLaughlin and Keogh made their full Senior debuts in Green and White.
New signings - goalkeeper Rian Hogan, defenders Mark Chidi and Ryan Kelly along with attacker Tyreik Sammy (off the bench) made their club debuts.
The visitors had got down 2-0 at home to Finglas United at Ferrycarrig Park in the competition earlier this month.
But they hit the front in the seventh minute.
Hogan’s clearance was intercepted. And from 22-yards, Mikie Rowe curled the ball to the net.
However, the Wicklow side were back on level terms just 90 seconds later.
An away throw into the Bray half was blocked out by Benjamin Fagbemi.
The ball rebounded to Keogh who broke forward. From just outside the ‘D, the striker sublimely chipped Paul Martin to equalise.
Wanderers then went ahead in the 20th minute.
Keogh’s round the corner pass released Kelly down the left wing. His low cross was cut-out. But McLaughlin buried the rebound from close range.
The Slaneysiders had the better of the early second period exchanges. But Hogan thwarted Calum Flynn, former Bray player Zayd Abada then Jamie Wynne before the 60th minute
With Sean Brennan and Rhys Knight drafted on just after the hour mark, Dean O’Shea then made his first appearance since 2021 on his return. The trio helped solidify the result.
Billy O’Neill and Sammy entered the fray in the final 20 minutes to add impetus to the attack and see out the game.
With Finglas United having defeated Bohemians 1-0 at Larney Park earlier this month, the Seasiders will travel to Finglas this coming Sunday (January 25).
Then host Bohemians at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday February 6.
Bray Wanderers: Rian Hogan; Jack Lawless, Benjamin Fagbemi (Dean O’Shea 64), Mark Chidi, Ryan Kelly; Flynn Ryan (Sean Brennan 62), Cian Doyle; Ethan Cheese, Max McLaughlin (Rhys Knight 62), Conor Knight (Billy O’Neill 70); Leon Keogh (Tyreik Sammy 70).
Subs not used: Jamie Duggan, Jimmy Corcoran.
Wexford FC: Paul Martin; Max Murphy, Dean Larkin, Robert McCourt (Ryan Butler 68), Dylan Hand; Ryan Ritchie (Shane O’Sullivan 68), Adam Verdon; Mikie Rowe (Zayd Abada half time), Kaylem Harnett, Jamie Wynne (Filip Wasilewski 68); Calum Flynn.
Subs not used: Jake Doyle, Harry Sherlock, Alex Moody.
Booked: Murphy 88.
Referee: Declan Troy (Dublin).
Pictures: Paul Barrett.
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