Match Report - UCD 1 Bray Wanderers 3, September 25, 2026

 

 

Bray Wanderers returned from the UCD Bowl with three valuable points on Friday night after overcoming UCD 3-1 in a crucial First Division encounter. 

The Seagulls delivered an effective attacking performance, with Ben McCormack, Richard Ferizaj and Tyreik Sammy all finding the net.  

UCD threatened a comeback in the second half, but Bray held firm to secure an important victory in the race for the promotion play-offs. 

 

Both sides entered the contest knowing the importance of the result, with the meeting carrying significant implications for the closing stages of the league campaign. Bray started brightly and looked to exploit the space out wide. McCormack had an early opportunity to put the visitors ahead, but UCD goalkeeper Dara Kavanagh was on hand to keep his effort out. 

 

The breakthrough eventually arrived from a promising move down the left saw Dean O'Shea advance before releasing Sammy, whose delivery into the box was met by McCormack on the half hour mark. The midfielder made no mistake with a first-time finish to put Bray in front. 

UCD attempted to respond before the break, but the visitors defended their lead well and went into half-time with the advantage. 

 

UCD came out with renewed purpose after the interval and went close to drawing level when Matthew Alonge's header was denied by Bray goalkeeper Rian Hogan. That opportunity proved costly for the hosts as Bray soon extended their lead before the hour mark. O'Shea once again made an impact from the left, delivering a ball into the danger area which Ferizaj turned home from close range to double Bray's warm.  

 

The Seagulls added a third shortly afterwards with a well-worked attacking move. The ball was played into McCormack, whose clever dummy pass with his right foot allowed it to run through to Sammy. He let the ball travel across his body before guiding a composed finish into the bottom-right corner to put Bray firmly in control. 

 

UCD continued to push for a way back into the contest and were rewarded in the 74th minute. Substitute Sam Norval battled to win possession inside the Bray penalty area before working himself into a shooting position near the edge of the six-yard box. Norval then produced a superb left-footed finish, sending the ball into the top-right corner to reduce the deficit. 

 

The final whistle confirmed a significant away win for the Seagulls, who took their opportunities when it mattered. 

 

The final result gives Bray a valuable boost as the regular season approaches its conclusion. 

The victory also provides a cushion over UCD in the battle for league positions heading into the final fixtures. 

 

McCormack's opener set the tone, while Ferizaj and Sammy's goals after the break ensured Bray left Belfield with all three points. 

 

For UCD, Norval's late goal offered some consolation, but Bray's clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive. 

 

Paul Heffernan’s men face Cobh Ramblers in another important fixture next Friday night (2nd October) at the Carlisle Grounds with the run into the play-offs. Kick off is at 7:45pm. 

 

UCD: Dara Kavanagh; Luca Cailloce, Niall Holohan, Thomas Morley (Ciaran Behan, 

62’), Harry Curtis (Carl Lennox, 62’); Michael McCullagh (Sam Norval, 62’), Adam Wells, 

Eoin Sheeran, Louis Dignam (Jayden Goad, 84’), Matthew Alonge (Stephen Mohan, 

62’); Hugh Smith 

 

Bray Wanderers: Rian Hogan; Jamie Ryan (Alain Kizenga, 63’), Declan Osagie, Dean 

O’Shea, Jamie Duggan; Ajibola Oluwabiyi (Ifunanyachi Achara, 71’), Ben McCormack, 

John Sesay (Ryan Kelly, 80’), Richard Ferizaj (Ethan Cheese, 63’), Tyreik Sammy 

(Steven Havales, 80’); Endri Mustali 

 

Attendance: 736 (official). 

Referee: Marc Lynch