First Division wrap: Bray Wanderers play out thriller with Cork City while Wexford return to winning ways

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Bray Wanderers remain on course to reach the First Division playoffs after drawing 3-3 at home to champions Cork City.

It was a thriller at the Carlisle Grounds and the goals flowed from early on with Cristian Magerusan opening the scoring for the Seagulls after just three minutes. 

City hitman Seani Maguire equalised for Tim Clancy’s men six minutes later but less than 60 seconds after, Bray were ahead again through Magerusan.

Ruairi Keating however struck for the Leesiders just before the break to ensure the sides were level once more.

The Turner’s Cross outfit nudged ahead for the first time shortly before the hour through Maguire - but Ben Feeney salvaged a point for Wanderers 12 minutes from time. 

Bray are now fifth in the table on 49 points and four points ahead of sixth-placed Finn Harps.

And Harps will be left to rue what could have been after drawing 1-1 away to strugglers Kerry at Mounthawk Park.

The Co Donegal side were on course for a victory when in-form Patrick Ferry gave Darren Murphy’s men a 70th-minute advantage.

But they were pegged back soon after, with Sean McGrath equalising for the Kingdom.



The draw has ramifications at the foot of the table as well, with Kerry moving ahead of Longford Town in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

Longford were beaten 3-1 away to Treaty United at the Markets Field, with Lee Devitt, Adam O’Halloran and David Tarmey all scoring for the Shannonsiders.

Drogheda United loanee Emre Topcu scored for Wayne Groves’ troops.

Both Longford and Kerry are on 24 points, with the Mounthawk Park men ahead on goal difference. 

There was a shock at the Athlone Town Stadium as strugglers Cobh Ramblers stalled playoff contenders Athlone Town’s momentum with a 2-1 win.

The Co Westmeath side are likely safe in terms of securing a top-five finish but they will have to improve if they are to return to the Premier Division in the coming weeks.

Dean Ebbe gave Athlone a first half lead when he scored a 20th-minute penalty but Cobh responded with a spot-kick of their own which Jason Abbott converted.

Ramblers were reduced to ten early in the second half when Charlie O’Brien was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

But that mattered little as Brendan Frahill put Gary Hunt’s side ahead with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.

Athlone defender Dylan Hand was then sent off for the hosts late on to ensure a night to forget at Lissywollen.

Elsewhere, Wexford’s spot in the top-five looks in a very healthy position as they saw off ten-man UCD 2-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.

Cathal McCarthy was sent off for the Students as both Thomas Oluwa and Mikie Rowe both scored for the hosts.

Wexford are now on 50 points and five clear of Harps in the battle for the last playoff berth.

They will now have their eyes on a mouth-watering FAI Cup semi-final next weekend against Drogheda United.

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