Sligo Rovers 3 - 1 Bray Wanderers

Eoin Doyle’s brilliant hat-trick means Sligo Rovers move to third in the Airtricity Premier Division tonight. Doyle notched himself three goals in what was a superbly entertaining game at the showgrounds tonight.

Sligo Rovers took the lead early on in the 13th when a Matt Gregg error allowed Eoin Doyle to head the ball in to the back of the net. Alan Kirby knocked the ball in to the Bray box and Matt Gregg spilled the ball. Eoin Doyle was on hand to put the ‘bit o’ red’ ahead. Sligo came close to doubling their lead when Iarfhlaith Davoren passed the ball through to the Bray box and both Shane O’Connor and Derek Prendergast missed it. John Russell’s shot from the error is blocked by a combined effort from Joe Kendrick and Derek Prendergast.

Pat Devlin’s men equalised in the 30th minute as a result of a defensive error. A poor defensive header by Jason McGuinness left Ciaran Kelly unable to do anything and Conor Murphy did well to tip the ball in to the net.

Defensive errors from Bray meant that Sligo were getting into the box without much hassle. Eoin Doyle was the main man threatening the seagull’s defence and he was unlucky not to double Sligo’s lead in the 38th minute. Doyle intercepted a clearance by Derek Prendergast and his attempt skimmed just wide of Matt Gregg’s goals.

The second half began similar to the second half. Sligo’s pace and passing ability was getting the better of the seagulls who were also playing stylish football. Unfortunately for Devlin, Doyle’s brilliance continued into the second half and he put Sligo ahead once again in the 59th minute. Youngster Daryl Horgan collected the ball, passed it to Alan Kirby and he crossed it into Doyle who didn’t hesitate to slip it in to the goals.

Bray were gifted an opportunity shortly after the Sligo goal when Chris Shields knocked the ball forward for Conor Murphy. Jason McGuinness scuffed his clearance but luckily, Ciaran Kelly caught the ball before Murphy could get near it. There was no shortage of style as Joseph N’Do was producing some beautiful flicks and back heels. In the 68th minute, Eoin Doyle completed his hat-trick. John Dillon set up Doyle, who controlled the ball with his chest and beat the defender at the same time then tapped it into the net.

Ciaran Kelly was forced to make a rare save as Gavin Peers lost the ball completely to Jake Kelly. The Sligo keeper comfortably gathered the ball. Jake Kelly was the only man really threatening the Sligo defence and he managed to get himself into the Sligo box. He was unlucky not to score as his shot was just over the post.

The win will come as relief to Cook and his side definitely deserved the victory after what has been a disappointing few games for the bit o’red. Devlin can take encouragement from the fact that his side were not an easy feat for Sligo and they too produced some lovely football.
 

Sligo Rovers: Ciaran Kelly; Iarfhlaith Davoren, Jason McGuinness, Gavin Peers, Alan Keane; John Russell (Joseph Ndo, 65), Richie Ryan, Eoin Doyle (Raffaele Cretaro, 80), Alan Kirby, Daryl Horgan (John Dillon, 60); Aaron Greene.
Subs not used : Brendan Clarke, Derek Foran, Danny Ventre, Matthew Blinkhorn.
Bookings: None.
 

Bray Wanderers: Matt Gregg; David Webster (Jake Kelly, 21), Dane Massey, Derek Prendergast, Joe Kendrick; Dean Zambra, Chris Shields (Daire Doyle, 69), Gary Dempsey, Shane O’Connor, Graham Kelly (Shane O’Neill, 69); Conor Murphy.
Subs not used: Brian Kane, Stephen Last, John Mulroy, Dan McGuinness.
Bookings: Derek Prendergast.

Referee: Tom Connolly.
Attendance: 1,500.

extratime.ie Man of the Match: Eoin Doyle – his hat-trick says it all really.