League Report: Cork City 1 - 0 Bray Wanderers

It was another win for the Rebel Army as they extended their lead at the top of the League of Ireland First Division.

It was far from convincing, as they were indebted to the first-half goal from Evan McLaughlin just on halftime and the saves of Brad Wade. The visitors will be wondering just how they came away pointless though.

Cristian Magerusan, in particular, was denied on a number of occasions as the Wicklow side pushed for an equaliser. They are now looking over their shoulder in the play-off race.

Both managers made changes as they returned from the mid-season break. Barry Coffey, Josh Fitzpatrick, and Malik Dijksteel all came into the side. Jack Doherty and Conor Drinan both dropped to the bench, while Cian Bargary was injured.

For the visitors, Paul Murphy and Shane Griffin missed out. Call Thompson and Kieran Cruise came back into the side.

Bray were on a run of one loss in five and immediately set about their task.

In the opening two minutes, Max Murphy whipped in a deep cross that Guillermo Almirall managed to make slight contact with. Brad Wade was able to claim it comfortably.

It was more of a challenge a few minutes later though. Kieran Cruise was the man providing the ammunition on this occasion, which was met by Cristian Magurasan via an overhead kick.

Wade was forced to tip it over the bar. Darren Craven was then denied as Charlie Lyons produced a last-minute block.

Tim Clancy was clearly concerned with the number of chances they were conceding. Magurasan had another chance with a header from a Callum Thompson cross but put it wide.

It was then against the run of play that City found themselves in front just before the break. Greg Bolger played a ball over the top which found its way to Evan McLaughlin on the left of the box.

He was given too much room by Killian Cantwell to get his shot off. It went under the defender’s legs and into the bottom corner.

Despite that lead, Clancy elected to make two changes at halftime. The first chance of the half arrived when Darragh Crowley made a rare foray from right back to have a shot. It was parried away by Stephen McGuinness.

The visitors should have found themselves level when they attacked down at the other end. Harry Groome won the ball back in midfield and fed Craven in the area. He shot straight at Wade though.

Substitute Conor Drinan almost took advantage of a downpour with an effort from distance. It zipped just past the post though. Cian Murphy then had a rare chance as he brushed past Zach Nolan. McGuinness was able to narrow the angle though, and he shot past the post.

Bray then piled on the pressure. Murphy had a strong effort from distance after good build-up play that Wade had to smother. He then produced an incredible save as he tipped over a point-blank save from a Magurasan header. The striker was left shaking his head in frustration.

City almost sealed the win when Cathal O’Sullivan and Drinan combined to create an opportunity for Barry Coffey. His volley went wide, however. Wade could not be beaten though, and he produced another save in the dying minutes to deny Turley from distance.

The result now puts them 13 points clear, but there is a lot of work to do. City are on the road next weekend as they travel to Wexford on Friday at 19:45. Bray are back at the Carlisle Grounds as they face Longford Town.

Cork City: Bradley Wade; Cian Coleman, Darragh Crowley, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin; Greg Bolger, Barry Coffey, Malik Dijksteel (Cathal O'Sullivan 68), Josh Fitzpatrick (Conor Drinan 46), Sean Murray (Jack Doherty 46); Cian Murphy.
Subs not used: Aidan Dowling, John O'Donovan, Harry Nevin, Oran Crowe, Arran Healy, Harvey Skieters.
Booked: Jack Doherty (77), Charlie Lyons (81), Barry Coffey (90).
Sent off: None.

Bray Wanderers: Stephen McGuinness; Killian Cantwell, Kieran Cruise, Max Murphy, Zach Nolan; Guillermo Almirall Peñalver (Peter Grogan 82), Darren Craven, Harry Groome, Callum Thompson, Freddie Turley; Cristian Magerusan.
Subs not used: Ben Clark, Luke Smith, Paul Murphy, Thomas Morgan, Josh McGlone, Conor Knight, Zayd Abada, Billy O'Neill.
Booked: Cristian Magerusan (33).
Sent off: None.

Referee: Marc Lynch
Attendance: 2,026
extratime.com Player of the Match: Brad Wade