Bray Blitz Wexford in Four-Goal Derby Statement as Billy O'Neill signs off
Gareth Danaher reports from the Carlisle Grounds.
Bray Wanderers produced one of their standout performances of the season with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wexford at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night, leapfrogging their rivals in the First Division table in the process.
On an evening played in warm conditions by the seaside, the Seagulls combined intensity, pace and clinical finishing to overwhelm Wexford after the break, with Dan Ring’s double proving decisive in a dominant second-half display.
The opening period was lively and physical, with Bray looking the sharper side from the outset. Benjamin Fagbemi impressed early with his strength and composure, while Wexford’s Jake Doyle was booked inside five minutes as tensions rose in the South-East derby clash.
Wexford nearly struck first when Cian Doyle fired narrowly over from close range after a set-piece situation, but Bray gradually began to seize control. The home side thought they had taken the lead midway through the half when Billy O’Neill crashed a first-time effort off the crossbar, with the ball appearing to bounce over the line before being gathered by Alex Moody. However, referee Aaron O’Dowd waved play on.
Despite Bray’s growing pressure, the sides went in level at the break, though the hosts looked the more threatening team.
The deadlock was finally broken eight minutes into the second half. Billy O’Neill burst down the flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the area that Wexford defender Ryan Butler could only divert into his own net under pressure.
Bray immediately sensed vulnerability and doubled their advantage just three minutes later. O’Neill was again central to the move, driving at the Wexford defence before Dan Ring applied the finish to make it 2-0.
Ring struck again on 65 minutes to effectively end the contest. After another flowing Bray attack exposed gaps in the Wexford backline, the striker calmly finished for his second goal of the evening and Bray’s third.
Wexford struggled to respond as Bray controlled possession and tempo through the remainder of the game. The home supporters then got a final moment to celebrate deep into stoppage time when substitute Ryan Kelly added gloss to the scoreline, firing home in the 93rd minute after another swift attacking move.
The victory marked a fitting farewell appearance for Billy O’Neill before his summer move to Bristol City, with the winger delivering a superb creative display that inspired Bray throughout
the evening. We would like to thank & wish Billy all the best in the future and look forward to welcoming him back to the Carlisle in the near future.
Bray’s convincing win lifted them above Wexford in the First Division standings and continued their strong recent form at the Carlisle Grounds.
The Seagulls have a mid season break now and return to action on Friday, 12th June away to Treaty United with a 7:45pm kick off at the Markets Field.
Bray Wanderers: Jimmy Corcoran; Benjamin Fagbemi, Jamie Duggan, Dean O'Shea; John Bilili Sesay (Jamie Ryan 87), Kyle Tucker, Cian Doyle, Ben McCormack (Richie Ferizaj 72), Billy O'Neill (Ryan Kelly 82); Dan Ring (Conor Knight 73), Tyreik Sammy (Ethan Cheese 88).
Subs not used: Rian Hogan, Jack Lawless, Flynn Ryan, Bailey Shelley.
Booked: Ben McCormack (32), Billy O'Neill (83).
Wexford: Alex Moody; Max Murphy, Evan Osam, Adam Verdon, Dylan Hand; Kaylem Harnett, Ryan Butler, Gavin Hodgins (Ryan Ritchie 58); Jamie Wynne (Billy Vance 75 (Kyal Byrne 86)), Mikie Rowe, Jake Doyle (Liam Doyle 58).
Subs not used: Paul Martin, Kian Dignam, Adam Dobbyn, Zayd Abada, Charlie Mullan.
Booked: Jake Doyle (5), Ryan Butler (15), Kaylem Harnett (67), Adam Verdon (69).
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd (Ireland).
Attendance: 1258 (official).
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