Finlas United 0 Bray Wanderers 0
A hard-earned away point saw Bray continue their unbeaten run in the PTSB LFA Leinster Senior Cup.
From the team who had defeated Wexford FC 2-1 at the Carlisle Grounds the previous Tuesday in the opening Group D fixture in the competition, the U20 panel took to the field on Sunday afternoon at Larney Park against Finglas.
There were full competitive debuts for the Darragh Butler, Leon Creighton, Luke Burke and (substitute) Ryan Owens.
There were also first senior starts for both Caleb O’Neill and Cristiano Bramley.
Under blustery conditions, the first period was a tight affair.
The only real chance of note went United’s way in the 20th minute as Rian Hogan pulled off a good save to push out Aaron Costello’s drive from the right inside the penalty area.
The contest was more open after the interval, with the Leinster Senior League hosts having early opportunities.
Hogan got down well on the hour to push out Anthony Donohoe’s header off Cian Kavanagh’s corner.
Soon after, off another Kavanagh corner, Cian Malone put the ball back into the danger zone. Donohoe’s touch set-up Jordan Wright whose close range snap-shot clipped the bar and went over.
The Green And White’s responded in the 65th minute.
Played in off the left channel, Cristiano Bramley beat custodian Alan McLaren from 15-yards. But the ball rebounded back off the left upright.
Just 90 seconds later, Ethan Cheese’s slide-rule pass released Bramley whose pace took him past the home defence. But the teenager dink’s beyond an onrushing McLaren dropped just wide of the goal from ten-yards.
The Dubliner’s had a late chance in the 87th minute but Costello fired high and wide when cutting in off the right flank inside the box.
The result means Finglas have secured one of the two qualifying places and sit top of the charts on seven points, having beaten Wexford FC (2-0) then Bohemians (1-0).
Bohs are due to face Wexford on Saturday January 31 at the Oscar Traynor Centre.
Any other result other than a victory for the Gypsies will see Bray finish at least in second place.
Wanderers are due to complete Group D on Friday February 6 when they host Bohs at the Carlisle Grounds.
Finglas United: Alan McLaren; Jamie Wilson, Adam Clarke, Anthony Donohoe, Daniel Byrne; Cian Malone, Cian Kavanagh (Alex Stevenson 82); Dean Ivory, Brandon Daly (David Gilshenan 64), Jordan Wright (Kane Lee 68); Aaron Costello.
Subs not used: Jacob Chandler, Dean Brady, Dean Moran, Daniel Howard.
Booked: John McLaren (Manager) 58, Wilson 84.
Bray Wanderers: Rian Hogan; Jack Lawless, Darragh Butler, Caleb O'Neill, Luke Burke (Ryan Owens 79); Ethan Cheese, Leon Creighton (Leon Keogh 79); Flynn Ryan, Max McLaughlin, Phillip Cooney; Cristiano Bramley.
Subs not used: Luke Smith, Max Free, Jack Nolan, Dylan Ryan, Elliot Homan.
Booked: James Quinn (Head Coach) 58.
Referee: Daryl Carolan (Meath).
Pictures: Paul Barrett.
Share this post: