U20 Match Report - UCD 1 Bray Wanderers 2

 

Super-Sub Luke Smith grabbed an injury winner as Bray produced a come from behind EA SPORTS MU20 LOI Group A victory. 

After recent success’ over both Shamrock Rovers and Wexford FC, the Seagulls inflicted a first section loss this season against previously unbeaten UCD. 

With Saturday’s contest at Larkview FC in Kimmage into the 96th minute, substitute Dylan Ryan broke on the left wing only to be upended by a home player. 

In virtually the last play of the game, Dylan Ryan picked himself up and delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the box which was met by the head of Smith as the ball found the net. 

Wanderers started new signing Benjamin Villalobos in their line-up. 

In the reverse meeting at Berryfield Park in Enniskerry back at the start of March, the Students won 3-1. 

They took the lead this time round in the 22nd minute. 

The visitors failed to clear which saw the home team earn a corner. 

The flag-kick wasn’t dealt with by the Green and White’s before it feel to the feet of Odhran McLaughlin who fired it into the roof of the net. 

The Wicklow outfit improved after the interval and got a foothold with the substitute pairing of Issac Mulligan and Ilya Bednakovs making an impact. 

That pressure finally told in the 86th minute. 

Substitute Bradley Byrne raced along the right flank, and with a precise pull back, the ball ran into the path of the inrushing Max McLaughlin who slotted in the equaliser. 

 

Bray Wanderers: Edvinas Jakas; Luke Nolan, Jack Nolan, Caleb O'Neill, Destiny Avenbuan; Jamie Ryan, Joshua Kerr; Ethan Cheese, Max Mc Laughlin, Benjamin Villalobos; Leon Keogh. 

 

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

 

* The result – the only game in section this sweekend - lifts Bray up to third place, two points behind UCD in second place. Bohemians top the Group, with 12 points, but having played a game less than UCD and Bray. 

 

* Bray return to the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday April 5 to host Bohemians.