U20 Match Report - Klub Kildare 1 Bray Wanderers 1

 

Bray extended their unbeaten run in the EA SPORTS MU20 LOI Group A to five games after a hard-earned draw away to Klub Kildare. 

Going into the contest on Saturday afternoon at the FBD Hotels & Resorts Park on a four-game winning streak, striker Leon Keogh grabbed a second half equaliser for the Seagulls after a score-less opening period. 

When the teams met last March at Berryfield Park in Enniskerry, the Lilywhites won 3-1. 

This time round, Wanderers started the game with a great tempo and moved the ball with great purpose. 

Winger Thomas Considine brought a big threat on the right wing. He combined on numerous occasions with Luke Nolan and delivered some really dangerous crosses into the home box. But the away front line couldn’t take advantage of them. 

It took the Green and White’s until the 20th minute to get their first clear chance when Keogh set Isaac Millington clear one on one with the Kildare goalkeeper Aodh Conway. But the attacker dragged his shot wide of the upright. 

Irish Schools international Ethan Cheese was brought on for Considine at the interval. Cheese made an immediate impact and the Wicklow club’s tempo of passing and pressing improved. 

But it was Kildare who broke the deadlock in the 54th minute as Callum Crowley’s shot evaded Edvinas Jakas. 

Wanderers restored parity in the 69th minute. 

Phil Cooney crossed a low pass across the six-yard area from the left flank for Keogh to side foot in first time from close in. 

Both teams pushed hard for a winner late on. And it nearly came in the final stages for the visitors when late Bray sub Max McLaughlin struck the crossbar. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Edvinas Jakas; Luke Nolan, Caleb O'Neill, Jack Nolan, Destiny Avenbuan; Thomas Considine, Jamie Ryan, Joshua Kerr; Phillip Cooney, Isaac Millington, Leon Keogh. 

 

Subs: Max McLaughlin, Conor Lougheed, Ilya Bednakovs, Luke Smith, Ethan Cheese, Benjamin Villalobos, Bradley Byrne, Dylan Ryan, Sam Baker. 

 

* Elsewhere in the section, leaders Bohemians overcame Wexford FC 4-3 at Ferrycarrig Park. UCD shared the spoils 1-1 with Shamrock Rovers at Roadstone. 

With all six clubs having played eight times, Bohs lead the way on 18 points. UCD are second on 15. Bray are third in 13 with Wexford fourth on 11 points. 

 

* Bray return to the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday May 3 to host Shamrock Rovers.