U17 Match Report - Shamrock Rovers 1 Bray Wanderers 1

 

Bray came from behind to claim their first U17 LOI Academy Group 1 point of the season. 

Under blustery conditions on Sunday evening at Roadstone Academy, the Seasiders fell behind to Shamrock Rovers just after the interval. But hit back to claim a hard earned share of the spoils. 

Wanderers had gone down 2-0 at home at the Carlisle Grounds the week before to Wexford FC while Rovers had beaten Klub Kildare 2-0 at FBD Hotels and Resorts Park. 

The first 45 minutes was evenly matched. The visiting midfield trio of Niall Murphy, Jonathan Nuzum and Kyle Jackson all worked exceptionally hard defensively while also maintaining a threat on the break. 

But the Dubliner’s took the lead three minutes into the second period, as Thomas Barrett reacted to score after a mix up from a corner. 

But the Wicklow side responded in the 58th minute. 

Tadhg Mac an Úcaire was brought down in the opposition box with a penalty awarded. Wanderers’ skipper Murphy slotted in the spot-kick. 

However, away goalkeeper Jamie Dalton then had to pull pulled off some outstanding saves to keep the contest level in the minutes that followed. 

The visitors had the better of the closing stages and went close to taking all three points. 

The introduction of substitutes Alex Mernagh and Evan Lynch (making his first appearance in ten months on his return from injury) gave the fresh legs needed. 

Before full-time, Wanderers striker Promise Akinyemi went close with a powerful shot that just went over the bar. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Jamie Dalton; Karl Ralph, Ryan Higgins, Saul Corrigan, Tadhg Mac an Úcaire; Jonathan Nuzum, Kyle Jackson; Daniel Olusola, Niall Murphy, Taylor Butler; Promise Akinyemi. 

 

Subs: Evan Lynch, Daniel Howard, Alex Mernagh, Conor Cunningham, Jamie Lynch, Zac Lawlor, Lewis Brady, Elliot Homan. 

 

* Elsewhere in the section, Wexford FC defeated CK United 2-0 at Ferrycarrig Park while Waterford FC beat Klub Kildare 2-1 at the SETU Arena. 

 

* Bray return to the Carlisle Grounds on Sunday March 8 to play host to Klub Kildare.