U15 Michael Hayes Cup Match Report - Bray Wanderers 3 Sligo Rovers 2 (After Extra Time)

Posted on 27th July 2024 at 21:43

Bray Wanderers 3 Sligo Rovers 2 (After Extra Time)

Etan Kelly’s strike in the first period of extra time sent Bray in the Quarter Finals of the U15 EA Sports LOI Michael Hayes Cup.

Wanderers had led 2-0 just after the hour on Saturday afternoon at Ballycorus.

But a gallant Sligo side hit back with two quick fire goals to force extra time in the last 16 tie.

The first period of extra time was midway through when home skipper Jack Lawless launched a ball over the top. Kelly span off his marker and burst into right side of the box. Steadying himself, the sub curled past Charlie McGarvey from 12-yards.

After Jamie Dalton made a good ninth minute block to thwart David Newman, the Seagulls hit the front on the quarter hour.

As the Bit O’Red tried to play out from the back, Sean Howard nipped in with win possession in the ‘D. He held off a challenge to get in the 18-yard area and slot low in the bottom right hand corner.

The second third was a tight affair with the only real chance coming in the 43 minute as Harry Grainger fired narrowly over from distance.

By comparison, the final third was action-packed.

Inside the opening 30 seconds, Kelly wriggled free in the box. But was denied by McGarvey with a point-blank block just before the goal-line.

Wanderers doubled their lead in the 63rd minute.

Howard’s corner from the right was cleared back to him. The midfielder’s left footed cross picked out the unmarked Karl Ralph who scored with a diving header at the back stick.

But Rovers responded in the 64th minute. Following a quick free-kick, central defender Ryan Healy drilled low from 25-yards that went in off the far left upright.

Sligo then drew level in the 70th minute as striker Stephen Gibbons converted close in from a right wing centre.

The visitors went close to taking the lead in the 81st minute as sub keeper Kai McSwiggan brilliantly parried substitute Daniel Feeney’s free header.

Then in the 85th minute, McSwiggan made another save to push out Jack McGowan's attempt.

Bray also won it on stoppage time. But sub Adeyemi Raphael Odogiyan volleyed wide off Albie Tormey’s free.

The hosts the better of extra time as Charlie Byrne saw his 103rd minute fingertipped out by McGarvey.

Then in the last minute of the second period, Grainger scored off Byrne’s low delivery. But the goal was ruled out for offside – although Grainger looked very much onside.

Bray Wanderers: Jamie Dalton; Emanuele Vaticone, Jack Lawless, Albie Tormey, Evan Lynch; Sean Howard, Karl Ralph; Harry Grainger, Alexander Emakhu, Charlie Quinn; Charlie Byrne.

Subs: Ryan Butler, Carlsen Sadilua, Jamie Lynch, Etan Kelly, Oisin Kennedy, Adeyemi Raphael Odogiyan, Daniel Oluwadara Olusola, Kai McSwiggan.

Sligo Rovers: Charlie McGarvey; Sam Ferguson; Aidan Gabbidon, Ryan Healy, Cillian Barlow; Seamus Maughan, Oisin Choo; Connor Whittaker, Jack McGowan, David Newman; Stephen Gibbons.

Subs: Daniel Feeney, Ryan Maloney, Shane Filan.

Referee: Dave O’Shea (Wicklow ISRS).

Pictures: Ethan Finnerty.

* Elsewhere, Dundalk, St. Patrick’s Athletic, Klub Kildare, Bohemians, Cork City, Waterford FC, and Shamrock Rovers all advanced to the last eight.