Bray Wanderers 2 Kerry FC 4
Despite coming from behind to lead 2-1 at half time, Bray bowed out of the LOI Academy MU20 Shield at the Quarter Final stage.
The Seasiders had conceded early on. But rallied to score twice in a four-minute spell just before the interval on Saturday afternoon at the Carlisle Grounds.
However, Kerry scored three unanswered second half goals to book their place in the final four.
The Wicklow clubs’ player pathway continued to bear fruit as no less than six U17 players – four in the starting line-up – featured in the squad.
That included Bailey Shelley starting for the first time at this level in defence.
But the side from the Kingdom took a third minute lead. A sweeping passing move saw Luke Doolan slot in low off the right of the penalty.
Wanderers rallied and drew level in the 24th minute.
Dylan Ryan whipped over a free-kick right footed off the left flank, The ball diverted off a Kerry player. It dropped at the back post with Flynn Ryan applying a placed volleyed finish.
Bray went 2-1 ahead just four minutes later.
Having registered three assists last week against Derry City, Dylan Ryan made it five in just two games. His right wing ball went across the face of goal. Philip Cooney arrived at the back stick to drill in low from a tight angle.
The visitors equalised in the 55th minute.
Andrew Kerins launched a ball over the top for Doolan to latch onto. The striker then blasted to the net from just inside the box.
Doolan complete his hat-trick the 63rd minute. Weaving his way along the 18-yard line off the left flank, he fired a stunning shot to the net left-footed
With the hosts pressing to force extra time, the away outfit hit on the break in the 87th minute.
From a clearance in their own half, Robbie Keane gathered. He then ran and shot from 25-yards with the ball arrowing into the bottom left corner of the net.
Bray almost grabbed a stoppage time consolation.
From a short corner, sub Max McLaughlin bloated a cross into the danger zone. Defender Darragh Butler send a bullet header goalwards. But away keeper Kyle Clifford superbly tipped over the bar.
Bray Wanderers: Edvinas Jakas, Jack Lawless, Darragh Butler, Bailey Shelley, Phillip Cooney; Joshua Kerr, Flynn Ryan; Dylan Ryan, Ethan Cheese, Cristiano Bramley; Leon Keogh.
Subs: Luke Smith, Max McLaughlin, Conor Lougheed, Leon Creighton, Max Free, Isaac Millington, Caleb O'Neill, Alex Forde.
Kerry FC: Kyle Clifford; Nathan Aherne, Eldion Topalli, Oran Horgan, Bobby Amadasun; Togor Silong, Shayne Stack; Andrew Kerins, Robert Keane, Kennedy Amechi; Luke Doolan.
Subs: John Downey, Jamie Forde, Jonah Murphy, Daniel Cullen, Dillon Ferbe.
Referee: Ruben Collins. Assistants: Eoin Fagan, Maurice Ward.
Pictures: Ethan Finnerty.
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