U17 Match Report - Drogheda United 3 Bray Wanderers 1

 

Bray’s run of poor EA SPORTS MU17 League of Ireland Tier 2 North results continued last Sunday away to leaders Drogheda. 

The visitors again relied on the support of the U15’s players as they travelled to the MDL Grounds in Navan. 

Although United dominated the opening exchanges, the Seagulls looked comfortable defensively, with away custodian Alex Forde rarely troubled. 

That was until the 38th minute when the Wicklow team failed to clear a corner. The ball came to the edge of the box. Tadgh O'Brien was given too much time and space, cut inside two opposing defenders before slotting to the net. 

Wanderers equalised with a stunning goal 13 minutes into the second half. 

Referee Jakub Radoslaw Kuberski awarded a free kick in the middle of the Bray half. 

Bailey Shelley spotted the home keeper Brandon Gough-Smith off his line and drove a long shot from about 70 yards to the net. 

But the Boynesiders retook the lead in the 65th minute. Jack Richmond found himself free from a corner to head in. 

U15 netminder Elliot Homan was introduced for the first time at U17s level for the Green and White’s with 20 minutes to go. And produced a string of very good saves as the game opened up - including a stunning effort to keep out a close range header that looked destined for the net. 

There also was another debut at this level for U15 player Cillian Walsh off the bench in the second period. 

With Wanderers chasing a late levelling score, United then wrapped up the win in the 93rd minute with a breakaway goal through substitute Gary Gallagher Comiskey. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Alex Forde; Luke Burke, Adeyemi Raphael Odogiyan, Max Free, Bailey Shelley; Albie Tormey, Sean Howard; Billy Feeney, Aaron Murphy, Daniel Oluwadara Olusola; Romeo Fomenky. 

 

Subs: Lewis Brady, Cillian Walsh, Daniel Howard, Elliot Homan. 

 

* Elsewhere in the section, Longford Town defeated Sligo Rovers 2-0 at the Showgrounds (Astro Turf). Dundalk overcame Finn Harps 5-2 at Oriel Park. Derry City beat Mayo FC 7-2 at Umbro Milebush Park. 

 

* Bray will host Finn Harps on Sunday September 14 at new Berryfield Park in Enniskerry.