League Report: Bray Wanderers 1 - 3 Dundalk

Tim Brennan reports from the Carlisle Grounds

Dundalk reclaimed top spot in the Premier Division with a 3-1 victory over Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night.

Patrick Hoban, Robbie Benson and former Seagull Dylan Connolly were on target for the Lilywhites, while onetime Dundalk man Jake Kelly was on target for Bray.

Expectations were understandably low for the home side given recent events and, to add to their woes, they were forced to make a late change when goalkeeper Evan Moran was injured in the warm-up.

This presented an opportunity for 16-year-old Enda Minogue to take his place between the posts with Jack Kelly stepping up to the bench in his place.

Minogue was tested early on by a Patrick McEleney shot from the edge of the box, but was agile enough to parry the effort.

There was little any keeper could have done for the opener however, as Sean Gannon’s floated cross was met by Hoban at the back post.

The striker had ample time to steer a lofted header back across goal to give Dundalk the lead.

The away side doubled their lead on 27 minutes. Three corners in quick succession eventually led to Benson heading in McGrath’s cross.

It was a disappointing goal for Bray to concede given the team’s defensive effort in the opening quarter of the game.

The Seagulls' only opportunity to speak of in the opening half was a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, however Sean Harding’s effort was just over.

The second half seemed to begin at the same tempo as the first, however a short Chris Shields backpass was pounced on by Jake Kelly who coolly rounded Gary Rodgers and slotted home.

The goal interrupted the away side’s momentum, and introduced a sudden element of intrigue into the contest.

The game simmered for the next 10 minutes with both teams struggling to establish solid possession.

However Dundalk r what was the decisive blow 18 minutes from the end as Hoban made a run from what appeared to be an offside position.

No flag was forthcoming however and the striker’s squared cross was tapped home by Connolly at the back post.

The goal killed off any stirrings of a potential comeback and the game resumed a rather pedestrian pace in the closing stages.

In the end this young Bray side gave a respectable account of themselves against the league leaders.

As for Dundalk, they will feel they have a few more gears which will be needed to maintain top spot ahead of Cork City over the coming weeks.

Bray Wanderers: Enda Minogue; Kevin Lynch, Conor Kenna, Sean Heaney, Sean Harding (Cian Walsh 46); Paul O’Connor, Rhys Gorman, Byron O’Gorman (Jake Ellis), Dragos Mamaliga (Darragh Noone 72), Jake Kelly; Ger Pender

Subs not used: Jack Kelly, Jamie Crilly, Cian Maher, Alex Rafferty

Booked: Conor Kenna, Sean Heaney, Kevin Lynch

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary , Dane Massey; Michael Duffy, Chris Shields, Jamie McGrath (Dylan Connolly 46), Patrick McEleney (Ronan Murray 60), Robbie Benson; Patrick Hoban (George Kelly 84)

Subs not used: Gabriel Sava, John Mountney, Sean Hoare, Stephen Folan,

Booked: None

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

Attendance: 1,050 (official).

Extratime.ie Player of the match: Patrick Hoban (Dundalk).