Match Report - Cobh Ramblers 1 Bray Wanderers 2, July 24, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Bray Wanderers continued their impressive run of form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park on Friday evening, overturning an early setback to claim all three points in Cork. 

 

There was a poignant moment before kick-off as Bray were forced into a change between the posts. Goalkeeper Rian Hogan made his first league start in place of the injured Jimmy Corcoran, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon following an injury sustained earlier this week. Hogan stepped in admirably, producing a composed display to help guide the Seagulls to another valuable away victory. 

 

The home side made the brighter start and took the lead after 13 minutes when Anthony Adenopo found the net, giving the Ramblers an early advantage. Bray, however, responded with character and gradually began to impose themselves on the contest. 

 

Their reward arrived midway through the opening half as defender Jamie Duggan rose to the occasion, drawing the Seagulls level with a well-taken finish in the 24th minute. The equaliser shifted the momentum in Bray’s favour and ensured the sides went into the interval on level terms. 

 

The visitors continued to press after the restart, with Hogan remaining alert whenever called upon at the other end. 

 

Just after the 53rd minute a well-weighted pass from Duggan released Sammy moments later, but his attempt was comfortably gathered by the advancing Martin. 

 

Martin was called into action again in the 64th minute, standing firm to deny Sammy’s close-range header before Frahill reacted quickly to clear the loose ball. 

 

As the game entered its closing stages, Bray found the decisive breakthrough. In the 80th minute, Ifunanyachi Achara struck from a header which proved to be the winning goal, capping off a determined team performance and completing the turnaround. 

 

Cobh searched for a late response, but Bray’s defence stood firm, with Hogan confidently dealing with the pressure in the closing minutes to preserve the lead and secure another important three points on the road. 

 

The Seagulls could have added a third in injury time, but the swift counter attack ended from Conor Knight’s shot going straight into the hands of Martin. 

 

The victory further strengthened Bray Wanderers’ promotion push and showcased the resilience within the squad, overcoming both an early deficit and the loss of their first-choice goalkeeper to continue their excellent run of results. 

 

Cobh Ramblers: Timothy Martin; Brian Lenihan, Breandán Frahill, Shane Griffin; Luka Le Bervet; Rhys Gourdie, Mikey Carroll; Anthony Adenopo, Shane T. Griffin, Kai O’Neill, Rhys Kelly Noonan. 

 

Subs: Dylan McGlade for Adenopo (68); Dara McCormick for Carroll (69), Ethan O’Donovan for O’Neill (82), Callum Honohan for Lenihan (90). 

 

Bray Wanderers: Rian Hogan; Alain Kizenga, Declan Osagie, Jamie Duggan, Dean O’Shea; Jamie Ryan, Kyle Tucker, Achara Ifunanyachi; Richard Ferizaj, Tyreik Sammy, Ryan Kelly. 

 

Subs: Endri Mustali for Kelly (63); Ben McCormack for Tucker (63), John Bilili Sesay for Ryan (78), Lucas Curtin for Le Bervet (81), Conor Knight for Sammy (87), Ethan Cheese for Ferizaj (87). 

 

Attendance: 553 (official). 

 

Referee: Ryan Maher (Republic of Ireland). 

 

Photo by Stefan Teehan