- Andrew Dempsey
- Sat, Oct 20 2018
Andrew Dempsey reports from the Carlisle Grounds
A five-star Bohemians performance, including a four-goal haul from Dinny Corcoran and a Kevin Devaney strike, set them on their way to another easy win over their Co Wicklow opposition.
All the damage was done in the first half as Bohs raced into a four-goal lead as Corcoran added a fifth halfway through the second period.
Bray Wanderers were winless since mid-July while the Gypsies were out looking to prove a point following two domestic defeats on the trot after Keith Long’s re-invigorated Bohs rode the crest of a ten-game unbeaten wave.
Bray’s woes have been well publicised this term and it was no surprise to see them finally get relegated to the First Division following their defeat to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds last time out.
Bohs, on the other hand, have enjoyed a superb second half to the season with derby wins over Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic setting the tone nicely at Dalymount Park.
With fifth place still within their grasp, Keith Long’s side came into the game with plenty to play for as they looked to finish above St Patrick Athletic for the second year on the bounce.
Both sides made changes as Bohs made three from their last outing against Sutton United in the IRN-Bru Cup while Bray made two swaps from the recent defeat in Sligo.
Bohs were firmly on the front foot from the get-go and took an early lead as Corcoran rounded the young Bray keeper Mark O’Connor in the eighth minute after being played through by playmaker Keith Ward.
Sensing blood, Bohs grabbed a second soon after through as the ice-cool Corcoran stroked the ball past O’Connor after the ball was laid onto his path by former Seagull Keith Buckley.
The Gypsies grabbed a third through Kevin Devaney as the former Galway United wide man slotted past O’Connor from an acute angle after Bohs’ netminder Shane Supple started the sweeping counter attack.
The Gypsies maintained their relentless pressure and they soon grabbed a fourth through Corcoran who secured a first-half hat-trick accolade.
Ward was given the freedom of Co Wicklow before he threaded through his on-fire teammate, who finished well.
Jake Ellis came closest for the Seagulls as they looked for a breakthrough but his shot from outside the box failed to trouble Supple as Gary Cronin’s young side went in with their tails between their legs.
Bray started the second half well after emerging from the tunnel early, but it was Bohs who had the best opening of the second period as Devaney, looking for his brace, smacked wide with the goal at his mercy.
Bohs extended their lead to five after Corcoran grabbed his fourth, and final, goal of the game and was replaced by Cristian Magerusan just moments afterwards.
Eoghan Stokes, recently introduced following the withdrawal of Keith Ward, saw his low effort dealt with smartly by the busy O’Connor in the Seagulls goal.
Jake Kelly then went close for Gary Cronin’s side, but his free kick just crept wide of Supple’s post as the Gypsies looked to have held out for a comfortable clean sheet.
All in all, it was a dreadful night at the office for Bray Wanderers as Gary Cronin fell to the seventh successive defeat of his tenure as Bray manager.
Bray Wanderers: Mark O’Connor; Kevin Lynch, Conor Kenna, Sean Heaney, Dylan Hayes (Sean Harding 46), Darragh Gibbons; Paul O’Conor, Darragh Noone, Rhys Gorman (John Sullivan 46); Ger Pender (Jake Kelly 46), Jake Ellis.
Subs not used: Evan Moran (gk), Cian Walsh, Glen Hollywood, Dragos Mamolinga.
Booked: None.
Bohemians: Shane Supple; Derek Pender, Daniel Byrne, Daniel Casey, Patrick Kirk; Keith Buckley, Kevin Devaney, JJ Lunney, Keith Ward (Eoghan Stokes 71); Dinny Corcoran (Cristian Magerusan 71), Daniel Kelly (Daniel Grant 66).
Subs not used: Colin McCabe (gk), Robbie McCourt, Oscar Brennan, Ian Morris.
Booked: Derek Pender (79).
Referee: Graham Kelly.
Attendance: 852 (Official).
Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Dinny Corcoran (Bohemians).
