Under 17 match report

Posted on 20th May 2024 at 19:32

Derry City (MU17) 2 Bray Wanderers (M17) 1

Ryan McBride Brandywell, 19 May 2024

Derry City 3 Bray Wanderers 1

Bray were left to rue a series of missed first half opportunities as they were defeated 3-1 by Derry on Sunday in the U17 EA Sports LOI.

Wanderers led 1-0 after the opening period at the Ryan McBride Brandywell in the Group A tie.

But the game turned in the 71st minute when Luke Smith received a straight red card after a scuffle in the box off the ball when City were setting up for a free kick.

The home side then maximised their extra man advantage as they scored three times before the final whistle.

Wanderers created the better of the chances in the opening period with Billy O'Neill and Rhys Knight both spurning good opportunities.

Phil Cooney, however, continued his recent good goalscoring form in the 26th minute when he finished Ryan Owens cross from close range after some great play down the left-hand side.

Started by goalkeeper Alex Forde from the back, the move featured 19 passes and nine different players.

Almost immediately after the dismissal Derry found a 75th minute equaliser through Glenn McCourt finished from the edge of the box.

McCourt then added his second score in the 87th minute when the away defence failed to deal with a bouncing ball.

With the match ten minutes deep into injury time, the Candystripes sealed victory when substitute Carragher Friel found the net.

Bray Wanderers: Alex Forde; Conor Lougheed, Jack Nolan, Luke Smith, Ryan Owens; Eric Schütte, Ethan Cheese; Cristiano Bramley, Rhys Knight, Phillip Cooney; Billy O'Neill.

Subs: Max Free, Flynn Ryan, Aidan Kane, Bradley Byrne, Sean Hennelly, Bailey Shelley¸ David Winkler.

Pictures: Ethan Finnerty.

* Elsewhere in the section, Dundalk overcame Drogheda United 3-1 at Oriel Park.

* Bray return to Ballycorus on Sunday May 26 next to host Dundalk.