Leinster Senior Cup Report: Bray Wanderers 3 - 1 St Patricks Athletic

You can see a selection of pictures as taken from the game by Al Robinson by clicking here.

Bray Wanderers impressed in this early season Leinster Senior Cup game played out in bitter conditions in the Carlisle Grounds, with Ryan Brennan netting a brace on his competitive debut while Dean Kelly and Billy Dennehy also grabbed a goal apiece on their debuts for their respective teams.

Bray got the game underway at a Blustery Carlisle Ground, but it was St Pts who mustered up the first chance of note with David Cawley picking up the ball on the edge of the box, before only managing to fire his effort wide of the post.

Both sides failed to make much use of possession early on, but Graham Kelly found himself with space on the edge of the box, however he could only direct his shot wide of the Wanderers post.

St Pts took the lead through Billy Dennehey just before the half hour mark as the new signing was on the end of a pass from Graham Kelly, who expertly beat two Bray players before playing a through ball for his teammate. The former Cork City man dispatched by lashing his strike into the bottom corner via the post.

St Pats were enjoying a purple patch in the game, and Cawley wrestled off a defender in the box before unleashing a low strike, but Cherrie made a good save to prevent a quick-fire second for the visitors.

Bray Wanderers equalised in spectacular fashion, Ryan Brennan was allowed bags of space from 35 yards, and he smashed home a wonderful strike into the bottom corner in the 32^nd minute.

The match had become end to end, and St Pats nearly took the lead when a cross from Bermingham looped over Cherrie in the Bray goal. The crisis, however, was averted as Kenna was there to head the ball away from the waiting Billy Dennehey.

Christy Fagan nearly had the chance to add a second for the Saints when he was closed down Murphy in the box, but his effort was blocked once again by Conor Kenna.

Ger O’Brien nearly defied all odds by scoring from a cross, but his curling effort was tipped over by Cherrie.

Both teams struggled to create much early in the second half, but it was Ryan Brennan who had the first notable chance, but his side footed effort of the edge of the box flew over the cross bar.

Brennan continued to be a threat to St Pats, and he added his second of the game as well as Bray’s second, when he controlled a cross on the edge of the six-yard box, turned the defender and fired it into the bottom corner in the 54^th minute.

Bray managed to hold Pats off and then in the 65^th minute they added a third on the counter attack, through Dean Kelly. The striker charging into the box had lots of time, and he buried his strike into the bottom corner off the post.

St Pats were struggling to conjure up a comeback in the game as we reached the last ten minutes of the contest, but Fagan was trying to reignite the charge, however his effort on the edge of the box caused no harm as it went well wide.

Fagan, in stoppage time, again caused a problem for the Bray defence, he controlled a cross on his chest and the following volley went high over the post from close range. It would prove to be the final action of the half as referee Paul Tuite blew the final whistle to confirm Bray’s passage into the next round.

Bray Wanderers: Peter Cherrie (GK), Sean Harding (Hugh Douglas 70’), Alan McNally, Conor Kenna, Curtis Murphy, Alan Byrne, Ryan Brennan, Karl Moore (Sean Noble 84’), Mark Salmon, Gareth McDonagh, Dean Kelly (Ger Pender 72’).

Subs not used: Sean Fogarty, Paul Finnegan, Paul Murphy, Troy Carey.

Yellow Cards: Sean Harding (45)

St Patricks Athletic: Conor O’Malley (GK), Ger O’Brien, Ian Bermingham, Darren Dennehey, David Cawley, Conan Byrne, Christy Fagan, Graham Kelly (Rory Feely 87’), Shane McEleney, Sam Verdon (Dinny Corcoran 72’), Billy Dennehey.

Subs not used:  Brendan Clarke (GK), Fuad Sule, Darragh Markey, Michael Barker

Yellow Cards: None.

Referee: Paul Tuite

Attendance: 250 (estimate)

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Ryan Brennan (Bray Wanderers).