Sammy Strike Earns Bray Massive Three
Points in Tralee
Kerry FC 0-1 Bray Wanderers
SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division – Matchday 31
Friday, 11 September 2026 – Gareth Danaher reports from Mounthawk Park.
Bray Wanderers took away a huge three points on the road on Friday night as Tyreik Sammy’s
early strike secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park.
The win was particularly valuable for the Seagulls in the race for the First Division play-offs, with
Bray arriving in Tralee just two points ahead of Kerry in the table. Kerry had also been unbeaten
at home for 12 games, making the victory an impressive result for Paul Heffernan’s side.
Bray started the game positively and almost took the lead inside the opening minute, with
Richard Ferizaj forcing Matthew Connor into an early save.
The visitors did not have to wait long for the breakthrough, however. In the seventh minute,
Ferizaj played a superb ball over the top for Tyreik Sammy, who brought the ball under control
before calmly finding the bottom-right corner to put Bray 1-0 ahead.
Kerry attempted to respond and felt they had a strong claim for a penalty when Ryan Perez
went down inside the Bray penalty area, but the referee waved play on.
The hosts continued to look for an equaliser, with Cian Murphy heading over from a Sean
O’Connell cross before Kerry missed another excellent opportunity when a corner was spilled by
Rian Hogan. Jonas Häkkinen was unable to capitalise as his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Bray remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Endri Mustali fired over from inside the box,
while Richard Ferizaj also tested Connor from distance as the visitors looked capable of adding
to their advantage.
Kerry enjoyed possession but struggled to turn it into clear-cut chances, with Bray’s defence
holding firm to take their narrow lead into the interval.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Kerry pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but
Bray remained organised and continued to threaten whenever space opened up.
Ajibola Oluwabiyi went close to doubling Bray’s advantage shortly after the restart, before
another golden opportunity fell the Seagulls’ way in the 64th minute.
Kerry made changes in an attempt to alter the momentum, introducing Rob Keane for Perez,
but Bray continued to frustrate the hosts.
With the clock ticking down, Kerry were unable to find the breakthrough they needed. Bray
goalkeeper Rian Hogan and the defence stood firm, while Dean O’Shea came close to putting
the result beyond doubt when his effort found the side netting in the 76th minute.
The final whistle eventually confirmed a 1-0 victory for Bray Wanderers, ending Kerry’s long
unbeaten home run and giving the Seagulls a massive boost in their push for the play-offs.
Bray finished the night with 14 shots to Kerry’s seven and five efforts on target compared to
Kerry’s two, underlining the visitors’ ability to create the more dangerous opportunities despite
Kerry enjoying 55% of the possession. The Seagulls could of easily had two or three more goals
on the night with particularly close efforts from Oluwabiyi & Ferizaj.
For Bray, it was a disciplined and professional away performance — and one that could prove
hugely significant as the First Division season enters its final stages.
Kerry FC: Matthew Connor; Sean O’Connell, Sean McGrath (C), Cian Murphy, Jonas
Häkkinen, Samuel Aladesanusi, Ryan Perez, Vince Borden, Niall Brookwell, Ewan Lee,
Cian Bargary.
Subs Used: Rob Keane, Cian Brosnan, Colin Healy.
Bray Wanderers: Rian Hogan; Alain Kizenga, Jamie Duggan, Richard Ferizaj, Declan
Osagie, Kyle Tucker, Ajibola Oluwabiyi, Ben McCormack, Tyreik Sammy (GOAL ‘7),
Endri Mustali, Dean O’Shea (C).
Subs Used: Zak Reddy, Jamie Ryan, Bailey Shelley.
Attendance: 910 (official)
Referee: Oliver Morgan
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