Finn Harps leave Bray reeling with another loss
Gareth Danaher reports from Finn Park
An early own goal from Bray defender Dean O’Shea handed Harps the advantage, and a penalty converted by Joel Bradley Walsh ensured the hosts went into the break with a two-goal cushion.
Bray responded in the second half when substitute Ifunanyachi Achara found the net in the 75th minute, cutting the deficit and making for a tense closing period.
Despite the late pressure, Kevin McHugh’s side held firm to secure their first victory in seven matches and just their third win of the campaign.
Harps opened the scoring after 12 minutes when O’Shea inadvertently nodded Bernardo Monteiro’s corner at the near post into his own net, beating goalkeeper James Corcoran.
The Donegal side extended their lead six minutes before the interval.
An intelligent backheel from Gavin McAteer set up Monteiro, whose effort struck a Bray defender’s hand, prompting referee Daryl Carolan to award a penalty. Bradley Walsh’s initial strike was saved by Corcoran, but he reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.
Bray nearly equalised around the half-hour mark, but Daniel Ring failed to hit the target after meeting a long throw from O’Shea.
Form had also been an issue for Bray, who came into the game with just one win in their previous eight league fixtures, leading Paul Heffernan to make several changes to his lineup.
Harps had a chance to effectively seal the result in the 59th minute, though Alex Fanle dragged his shot wide after being set up by Nathan Lumingo.
When Achara pulled one back, Harps looked vulnerable, and goalkeeper Sheridan had to produce an excellent save shortly after to deny O’Neill.
In the closing stages, Declan Osagie headed over as Bray pushed for an equaliser, while Ring also missed the target after connecting with a dangerous cross from O’Shea.
Bray are now without a win in over five weeks and will be hoping to bounce back.
The Seagulls are back in league action next Friday (8th May) where they will need all your support against Cobh Ramblers. Kick off at the Carlisle Grounds is at 7:45pm.
Finn Harps: Corey Sheridan; Josh Cullen, Max Hutchinson, Joel Bradley Walsh, Alex Fanle; Oran Brogan, Tony McNamee; Aaron McLaughlin (Temi Ajibola 81), Gavin McAteer (Idir Zerrouk 81), Bernardo Monteiro (Perrault Tokam 64); Nathan Lumingo.
Bray Wanderers: James Corcoran; Declan Osagie, Jamie Duggan, Benjamin Fagbemi (Ifunanyachi Achara 65), Dean O’Shea; Ben McCormack (Aime Azende Nyembo 74), John Bilili Sesay (Richard Ferizaj 65); Conor Knight, Cian Doyle, Billy O’Neill; Daniel Ring.
Attendance: 662 (official)
Referee: Daryl Carolan.
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