League Report: Treaty United 2-0 Bray Wanderers
Michael Cooke reports from the Markets Field
Treaty United are back to winning ways following a 2-0 win over Bray Wanderers despite being under the cosh for most of the contest.
The goals resembled buses in that we waited 86 minutes for one and suddenly we had two in quick succession with Willie Armshaw on target for Treaty before Mark Byrne subsequently put it in his own net.
The result means Bray’s three game winning streak is over and the visitors will feel disappointed despite creating more chances.
Gary Cronin gave a vote of confidence to the side that defeated Wexford last week with the manager making no changes for their visit to Limerick while Tommy Barrett made three changes to the side that started the Bray Wanderers defeat.
Ed McCarthy and Callum McNamara were both recalled to the side while Joel Coustrain returned from injury.
It was a reversal of fortunes for both Sean McSweeney and Clyde O’Connell while Edward McGinty also missed out.
Bray enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half as well as creating the better chances.
Conor Clifford, Brandon Kavanagh and Joe Doyle each tried their luck in the opening stages, but their efforts lacked conviction.
In the 29th minute, Doyle missed a golden chance to give Bray the lead when he headed over from inside the six-yard box after Treaty failed to deal with Stephen Kinsella’s cross.
The visitors continued to pile on the pressure as Dylan Barnett became the latest player to come up short when he shot straight at Tadhg Ryan following an incisive attacking run from the left.
Richard O’Farrell then spurned another opportunity to grab the opener after it was laid on a plate for him by Ryan Graydon.
Treaty found it incredibly difficult to make a breakthrough in the first half and Joel Coustrain was the only player to trouble the opposition defence.
His endeavours yielded a free kick in the 43rd minute only for Kieran Hanlon to shoot wide and the game remained scoreless at the break.
Bray made the better start to the second half and while they continued to create chances, the sides remained deadlocked at nil all.
It took Treaty until the 57th minute to register a shot on target as Matt Keane forced a save from Brian Maher.
The hosts were on the backfoot for the best part of an hour, but they almost got their noses in front two minutes later.
Ed McCarthy’s attempt from well outside the area was deflected off the post as the Seagulls breathed a sigh of relief.
Bray continued their quest for an equaliser as Richard O’Farrell and Darren Creaven were both denied by Ryan who had a phenomenal game between the sticks.
Treaty responded with two efforts of their own as Ed McCarthy and Matt Keane came up short.
The first goal came in the 86th minute as substitute William Armshaw made a superb impact off the bench and he stuck it in the bottom corner following some great approach work.
Treaty’s advantage was doubled a minute later when Mark Byrne headed Charlie Fleming’s cross into his own net.
Matt Keane could have added his name to the scoresheet in additional time but his close-range effort was saved.
Treaty still had two goals to spare at the final whistle as they now head into the mid-season break on a winning note.
Treaty United: Tadhg Ryan; Marc Ludden, Sean Guerins, Charlie Fleming, Anthony O'Donnell; Matt Keane (Alan Murphy 90), Joel Coustrain (William Armshaw 70), Jack Lynch (c), Edward McCarthy, Callum McNamara; Kieran Hanlon (Matthew McKevitt 77).
Subs not used: Shane Lowth, Adam Foley, Shane Cusack, Joe Collins, Edmond O'Dwyer.
Booked: Jack Lynch (49), Charlie Fleming (68).
Bray Wanderers: Brian Maher; Aaron Barry, Dylan Barnett, Richie O'Farrell, Andrew Quinn; Steven Kinsella (Gary Shaw 60), Brandon Kavanagh, Ryan Graydon, Conor Clifford, Mark Byrne; Joe Doyle (Darren Craven 68).
Subs not used: Glen Hollywood, Kian Clarke, Luka Lovic, Cian Maher, Dean O'Shea, Jack Ross.
Booked: None.
Referee: Oliver Moran
Attendance: 0
ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: Tadhg Ryan (Treaty United)