U15 Match Report - Bray Wanderers 1 Bohemians 1

 

Bray remained joint-top of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU15 League 2024 Phase 2 – Tier after a battling home draw with Bohemians. 

Both teams went into the tie with six points from their first two fixtures in the group. 

Only goal difference separates them now after Saturday’s draw at Ballycorus in what was a physical contest. 

The two teams had previously met in Phase 1 Group B earlier in the season. The Dubliner’s won 3-1 at the Oscar Traynor Centre last March. In the reverse fixture in May at Ballycorus, the Dubliner’s won 4-0. 

This time round, under beautiful sunshine, Wanderers netminder Kai McSwiggan pulled off two brilliant saves in a matter of moments to thwart Josh Harpur then Charlie McConnell in the 16th minute. 

The Wicklow side then took a 21st minute lead. 

Referee Jack Nolan played a good advantage after Sean Howard appeared to be fouled. The ball ran to Charlie Byrne who turned and struck a low 20-yard shot that deceived Alfie Black. 

Just before the interval, Marcel Schabowski scooped over the bar close in for the Gypsies. 

Nine minutes into the middle third, Harper’s cross-shot from wide right clipped the bar. 

But the visitors drew level in the 40th minute. Tomas Stoskus got to the right byline and dragged the ball back were McConnell drilled in from ten-yards. 

In the 50th minute, Harpur was taken down for a penalty. But sub keeper Jamie Dalton made a brilliant stop to keep out the striker’s spot-kick. 

Bohs went close again in the 71st minute. Despite claims for offside, Harpur glanced a header narrowly wide off sub Shane Lawless’ cross. 

Having been under the cosh, the Seagulls almost won it two minutes deep into stoppage time. 

Emanuele Vaticone broke up the middle and slipped Alexander Emakhu in behind the away defence. But from inside the box, reserve custodian Tomasz Rybak made the vital block save. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Kai McSwiggan; Emanuele Vaticone, Jack Lawless, Albie Tormey, Evan Lynch; Louis Rothwell, Sean Howard, Karl Ralph, Charlie Quinn; Alexander Emakhu, Charlie Byrne. 

 

Subs: Ryan Butler, Carlsen Sadilua, Etan Kelly, Jamie Lynch, Oisin Kennedy, Adeyemi Raphael Odogiyan, Jamie Dalton. 

 

Bohemians: Alfie Black; Luke Rossi, Rhys Cullen, Alfie O Hanlon, Sean Connell; Jayden Goad, Andrew McAuley; Tomas Stoskus, Charlie McConnell, Marcel Schabowski; Josh Harpur. 

 

Subs: Shane Lawless, Jamie Kavanagh, Taylor Butler, Victor Yang, Tomasz Rybak. 

 

Referee: Jack Nolan. 

 

* Elsewhere in the section, Waterford FC suffered their first loss when going down 2-0 to CK United at Burrin Celtic FC. Kerry FC defeated Cobh Ramblers 3-1 at Killeshin FC while Klub Kildare overcame Limerick FC 5-2 at FBD Hotels and Resorts Park. 

 

* Bray are away to Waterford on Saturday July 20 next at the SETU Arena.