Report: Bray Wanderers 1 - 0 Cobh Ramblers

Ger Rowe grabbed his second goal in two games as Bray Wanderers beat Cobh Ramblers 1-0. Bray stretch their unbeaten run to five games while Cobh are still without an away point this season.

In a tense battle at the Carlisle Grounds, both sides struggled to get a grip on the game in a poor first half. On 12 minutes, Cobh had the first chance. Kieran O’Reilly raced clear of the defence and crossed from the right-hand side. His cross was deflected in the box and fell to John Meade. He shot first-time but Chris O’Connor was on hand to stop the effort.

Bray had the ball in the net on 20 minutes but it was ruled out. From Alan Cawley’s corner, James McCarthy fumbled and Gavin Whelan was there to put the ball in the goal. However, Cobh were awarded a free for a foul on McCarthy.

Five minutes later, Bray had their best chance of the half. From Pender’s attempted pass, the ball broke to Patrick Kavanagh on the edge of the box and the forward controlled well before firing goalwards. With McCarthy beaten, the shot struck the crossbar and went over.

Bray started the second half strongly and had their first chance on 49 minutes. Dunphy, Pender and Rowe combined well down the left and the ball was played to Colm Tresson on the edge of the area. He ran into the box and shot goalwards from 8 yards, only to see his effort come back off the post.

On 55 minutes, Cobh had their first chance of the second half. Following a poor O’Connor goal-kick, Michael Mulconrey headed the ball forward for Kieran O’Reilly who lobbed O’Connor from the edge of the area. Unfortunately, his effort was too high and ended up going well over.

Bray broke the deadlock on 63 minutes. Alan Cawley floated in a perfect cross from a free-kick on the right. Ger Rowe rose highest and headed the ball past McCarthy in the Cobh goal.

On 74 minutes, Cobh should have levelled. O’Reilly ran clear of Bray’s defence and, from the edge of the box, he lobbed O’Connor again. His shot dipped and came back off the crossbar. Sub Graham Cummins was in the box but his follow-up went well wide.

On 80 minutes, Bray had a glorious chance. Following a brilliant cross by Kavanagh on the right, Mark Duggan dragged his shot across the face of goal but striker Rowe could only side-foot wide. Cobh finished the game with ten men when Alan Kearney was stretchered off with five minutes to go as Bray held on for their fourth win in five games.

Bray now switch their focus to the League Cup where they host Shamrock Rovers in Monday night’s second round tie. Cobh Ramblers don’t play again until next Saturday when they return to St. Colman’s Park to entertain Bohemians.

Bray Wanderers: Chris O'Connor; Colm Tresson, Kevin Doherty, Derek Foran, Gary Cronin; Derek Pender, Gavin Whelan (Paul Dunphy 46), Alan Cawley, Mark Duggan; Ger Rowe, Paddy Kavanagh.
Subs not used: Gavin McInerney, Ray Kenny, Ronan Ivory, Andy Myler.

Bookings: Pender (90+2).

Cobh Ramblers: James McCarthy; Alan Carey, Kevin Murray, Shane Guthrie, Brian McCarthy; Michael Mulconry, John Kearney (Gareth Cambridge 82), Alan Kearney, John Meade; Conor Meade (Graham Cummins 69), Kieran O'Reilly (Davin O‘Neill 77).
Subs not used: Ken Coleman, Shane Barrett.

Bookings: McCarthy (40).

Referee: Mark Gough (Limerick).
Attendance: 1,100 (estimate)
Man of the match: Ger Rowe (Bray Wanderers).