League Report: Bray Wanderers 1 - 0 Shamrock Rovers II

Ciarán Ó Meachair reports from the Carlisle Grounds

Bray secured all three points over Shamrock Rovers II at the Carlisle Grounds on Tuesday night thanks to a spectacular Ryan Graydon bicycle-kick in one of the final League of Ireland games in front of spectators before new restrictions on attendances are due to commence.

The Seagulls played with high intensity and pressure from early on, with Rovers struggling to get time on the ball as a result.

Many of Bray’s early opportunities came from free-kicks, however some cleverly designed routines faltered.

A switch to a more direct approach from the set piece led to the only goal of the game.

A ball whipped into the area bounced around off several heads before Ryan Graydon took control and put the ball past Rovers keeper Leon Pohls with an incredible bicycle kick.

Rovers’ best chance of the first half came in the closing stages when a Sean Brennan shot from distance was stopped by Brian Maher.

Bray had a chance to go two up just after the break when Derek Daly put the ball over the bar from point blank range.

This was shortly followed by a great chance for Rovers when an Aaron Bolger shot went narrowly wide.

Bray had marginally more control of the game for much of the second half.

Seagulls supporters in the Carlisle Grounds felt there should have been a red card awarded when Ryan Graydon was taken down by Seán Callan after being through on goal.

Rovers came close to an equaliser when Brandon Kavanagh rounded Brian Maher following a through ball.

However a heavy touch took the ball too far wide and gave the Bray defence a few precious moments to get back and block his shot.

Rovers continued to pile on the pressure in the closing stages but couldn’t find a winner.

The result puts Bray into third place, six points behind leaders Cabinteely.

Shamrock Rovers II remain in seventh.

Bray Wanderers: Brian Maher; Kilian Cantwell, Dylan Barnett, Sean McEvoy, John Ross Wilson; Luka Lovic, Derek Daly, Callum Thompson (Paul Keegan 80); Darragh Lynch (Joe Doyle 56), Ryan Graydon

Subs not used:  Adam Hayden, Marlon Marishta, Tristan Noack Hofmann, Gary Shaw, Jack Watson.

Booked: Dylan Barnett (88), Gary Shaw (90).

Shamrock Rovers II: Leon Pohls; Max Murphy, Alex Dunne, Sean Callan; Jordan Tallon, John Ryan, Brandon Kavanagh (Dylan Duffy 86), Sean Brennan, Aaron Bolger (Dean McMenamy 59); Thomas Oluwa (Kevin Zeffii 73).

Subs not used: Adam Wells, Kian Clarke, Sinclair Armstrong, Peter Adigun.

Booked: ,Aaron Bolger (32) ,Sean Callan (68).

Referee: Oliver Moran

Attendance: 0

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Ryan Graydon (Bray Wanderers).