Wanderers lose away to Longford Town in a drenched
Bishopsgate.
Gareth Danaher reports from Bishopsgate.
Longford Town secured a valuable return to winning ways with a narrow but deserved victory
over Bray Wanderers at Bishopsgate on Saturday evening.
The decisive moment of the contest came courtesy of Andy Paraschiv, who registered his first
goal for the club since his arrival, ultimately proving the difference between the sides.
On a rain-drenched surface that made fluent football difficult, the match developed into a closely
contested and physically demanding affair, with clear scoring opportunities at a premium
throughout.
The home side began the brighter of the two teams and applied early pressure, spending much
of the opening stages on the front foot against a compact Bray defence.
However, despite Longford’s positive start, neither side was able to establish sustained
attacking rhythm, as the conditions continued to disrupt passing play in the final third.
Bray Wanderers gradually worked their way into the encounter and began to enjoy longer spells
in possession, though they struggled to penetrate a well-organised Longford backline.
The breakthrough arrived when Paraschiv made the most of a key opening, converting to hand
the hosts a crucial advantage midway through the contest.
After taking the lead, Longford adopted a more controlled approach, focusing on defensive
discipline and game management to limit Bray’s attacking threat.
The visitors pressed in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, but found little joy against a
resilient and well-structured home defence.
Longford ultimately saw out the remainder of the match with composure to claim all three points,
a result that will offer a timely boost to their momentum in the First Division campaign.
Longford Town: Kian Moore; Alex O’Brien, Daniel McKenna, Taylor McCarthy, Conor
Errity, Osaze Irhue; Sultan Adeneken (Kobichidi Ndebumadu 80); Pharrell Manuel,
Aaron Doran, Andy Paraschiv; Daragh Murtagh (Fran Campbell 69).
Subs not used: Chijimdum Odum, Luke O’Brien, Stefen Ugbesia, Kyle Robinson,Jake
Hough, Jonathan Adedeji.
Bookings: Osaze Irhue 32, Daniel McKenna 65.
Bray Wanderers: Jimmy Corcoran; Alain Kizenga, Jamie Duggan, Declan Osagie,
Dean O’Shea (Ryan Kelly 79); Ben McCormack, Cian Doyle (Richard Ferizaj 63), Sean
Brennan, Tyreik Sammy (Billy O’Neill 79), Aime Azende (Conor Knight 88); Ifunanyachi
Achara (Daniel Ring 63).
Subs not used: Rian Hogan, Ben Fagbemi, Mark Chidi, Kyle Tucker.
Bookings: Alain Kizenga 14, Tyreik Sammy 54, Jamie Duggan 90.
Referee: Glen Geraghty
Attendance: 389 (official)
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