Match Report - Finn Harps 0 Bray Wanderers 1, July 17, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Bray Wanderers secured their place in the last 16 of the FAI Cup in dramatic fashion as substitute Conor Knight struck deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-0 victory over Finn Harps at Finn Park. 

 

After an open start, Bray created the first real opportunity of the evening. A quick break left Tyreik Sammy and Kyle Tucker with a two-on-one advantage, but Joel Bradley-Walsh recovered brilliantly to deny the visitors before they could test Lorenzo Piaia. 

 

Finn Harps gradually settled into the contest and enjoyed their own spells of possession, although clear-cut chances remained few and far between. Nathan Lumingo and Aaron McLaughlin worked hard in attack for the hosts, while Bray’s back four stayed organised to ensure James Corcoran had little to do during the opening 45 minutes. 

 

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough in a tense cup tie. Piaia was called into action to comfortably gather an effort from Endri Mustali, while Bray looked the more threatening as the game wore on. 

 

Paul Heffernan introduced Conor Knight just before the hour mark, and the substitute almost made an immediate impact. Bray thought they had broken the deadlock late on when Tyreik Sammy found the back of the net, only for the offside flag to cut celebrations short. 

 

Moments later, Cian Doyle came within inches of winning it when his strike from the edge of the area crashed against the base of the post with Piaia beaten, as Bray continued to pile on the pressure. 

 

Just as extra time looked inevitable, the Seagulls found the decisive moment. Deep into stoppage time, Ethan Cheese won possession in midfield and slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Conor Knight. The substitute raced clear before calmly slotting a low finish beyond the advancing Piaia to spark wild celebrations among the travelling Bray supporters. 

 

It was a deserved reward for Bray’s persistence as they grew stronger in the closing stages, while Finn Harps were left heartbroken after another late setback. The victory also marked Bray Wanderers’ first win at Finn Park since August 2024 and booked their place in the next round of the FAI Cup. 

 

Finn Harps: Lorenzo Barbosa; Josh Cullen, Max Hutchison, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Alex Fanle; Oran Brogan, Darragh Coyle, Bernardo Monteiro (Adam McDaid 84), Gavin McAteer, Aaron McLaughlin (Shaunie Bradley 84); Nathan Lumingo (Odhran McHugh 71). 

 

Bray Wanderers: James Corcoran; Jamie Duggan, Declan Osagie, Benjamin Fagbemi (Bailey Shelley 69), Dean O'Shea; Jamie Ryan, Ryan Kelly (Endri Mustali 69), Cian Doyle, Kyle Tucker (Conor Knight 59), Ethan Cheese; Tyreik Sammy. 

 

Attendance: 602 (official) 

 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin 

 

Photo by Stefan Teehan