Gormley aims to build on recent performances

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Bray Wanderers caused something of a shock on Monday evening when they overcame First Division high-flyers Derry City in an FAI Cup Third Round replay at the Carlisle Grounds. Bray supremo Eddie Gormley was extremely pleased with the way his team performed in the second half, especially as he felt they hadn't performed to their potential in the opening period.

“First half, I don't think we were at the races. Second half we came out and I think we played a little bit more like we did against Rovers on Friday, and I think we deserved it over the 90 minutes”, Gormley remarked.

The Seagulls had a match-winning performer in young striker Shane O'Neill, who bagged a brace on the night, and Gormley believes that people are now seeing what a quality player the 21-year-old really is.

“Shane's always been a quality player, he's just getting the opportunities now. He still has a long way to go, but he's a good player, and he's going to improve”.

Another player to make a lasting impression on the tie was 39-year-old defender Colm Tresson, who put in an excellent shift at the back as well as setting up the vital winning goal for O'Neill. Former St. Pat's man Gormley was quick to reveal his admiration for the man who first joined the club back in 1990, and felt that he rolled back the years with his performance against Derry.

“Yeah, we signed him from Joey's Under-17s last year! Daz (Tresson), he defies belief at times. The third goal was Colm Tresson of 15 years ago. When I saw him running I was saying to myself 'he must be mad'. But no, that's the desire he shows week in, week out, and to be fair he gets the young lads rallied around as well, but it was like watching Daz 15 years ago. He did well, and the pass he gave to Shane was top class”.

When you couple this performance with the one that they gave against Rovers, it is clear to see that there is huge progress going on in the Wicklow Club, and Gormley hoped that this can be a stepping stone for them to push on for the rest of the season.

“You always look for things that you might think are turning points, so hopefully it will. There's no reason (why it can't). We've played two games in two days, and performed pretty well. Worked exceptionally hard. I think we've gotten what we deserve in both games”.

“Possibly we should have gotten a little bit more against Rovers. I know its two games, and two games doesn't make a season, but we'll work hard and we'll be ready for next Monday when we travel to Galway”, Gormley concluded.