U20 Match Report - Shamrock Rovers 2 Bray Wanderers 3

 

In a game that had almost everything, Bray picked up their first EA SPORTS MU20 LOI Group A winner of the season. 

After taking the lead early on Saturday afternoon at Roadstone, Wanderers went in level 1-1 at the break against ten-man Rovers. 

But fell behind to the Hoops after the interval while also stopping a home penalty. 

Yet, the visitors levelled late on before grabbing an injury time winner. 

Boths clubs went into the match after losing their first three games of the campaign. 

Wanderers flew out of the traps and had three chances to go in front inside the first 60 seconds. 

They duly did when Max McLaughlin scored with the third shot on goal after home goalkeeper Alex Noonan had made the initial save. 

However, the Dubliner’s equalised from a deflected Richard Vodo effort in the 24th minute. 

But the home side then had Adam Byrne sent off in the 34th minute for a second booking. 

Despite the extra man advantage, and a series of goalscoring chances, the Seagulls were unable to add to their tally. 

Further opportunities went abegging for the away outfit after the break. 

Rovers had the opening to take the lead when awarded an 68th minute spot-kick. But Edvinas Jakas dived to his left to make the save. 

Yet, the Hoops did go 2-1 up in the 80th minute through John O’Sullivan - who spent the second half of the 2024 season on loan at the Carlisle Grounds. 

With Jack Nolan and Caleb O'Neill rock solid in defence, and Ethan Cheese a constant threat to the home defence, Wanderers produced a stunning late comeback. 

In the 85th minute, Cheese broke through on the right wing and hit a stinging shot that Noonan parried out. 

Substitute Ilya Bednakovs followed up to finish to the net. This was the new signings debut after a long injury lay-off. 

Then in the 91st minute, the ball was worked down the left flank. It was crossed in to substitute Leon Keogh who dinked it over Noonan to seal victory. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Edvinas Jakas; Alain Kizenga, Jack Nolan, Caleb O'Neill, Destiny Avenbuan; Joshua Kerr, Luke Nolan, Jamie Ryan; Ethan Cheese, Max McLaughlin, Isaac Millington 

 

Subs: Leon Keogh, Dylan Ryan, Bradley Byrne, Ilya Bednakovs, Luke Smith, Conor Lougheed, Sam Baker. 

 

* Elsewhere in the section, leaders Bohemians beat Klub Kildare 2-1 at Oscar Traynor Centre. Wexford FC and UCD played out a 1-1 draw at Ferrycarrig Park. 

 

* Bray return to the new-look Carlisle Grounds on Saturday March 22 next to host Wexford FC.