- Andrew Dempsey
- Sat, Jun 12 2021
Andrew Dempsey reports from the Carlisle Grounds
Shelbourne extended their imperious looking lead at the top of the First Division table with a statement 4-1 demolition of Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on the night the fans returned in small numbers to the League of Ireland.
Goals from Ryan Brennan, Michael O’Connor and Ally Gilchrist set the Reds on their way, while Conor Clifford’s 16th minute penalty proved to be a mere consolation for a Bray side who were soundly beaten in front of the allowable 100 spectators.
The Reds have been in impressive form all season – and came into the game off the back of a convincing 4-0 win over Galway United before the mid-season break.
That result maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table and their manager Ian Morris made one change from that victory at the expense of the Tribesmen as Yoyo Mahdy missed out.
Bray on the other hand have started to show signs of improvement – although they did lose their last game before the break – and lay a point behind fifth placed Cabinteely prior to kick-off.
Following their 2-0 defeat away to Treaty United, their manager Gary Cronin made two alterations, with Gary Shaw returning to the starting XI to make his first start of the season.
But it was Shelbourne who started the game the better of the two, and they ought to have taken an early lead through Ryan Brennan.
Brennan got on the end of Kevin O’Connor free-kick, and forced a smart save from Ireland under-21 keeper Brian Maher.
Shels would then break the deadlock after 10 minutes through a Michael O’Connor spot-kick.
O’Connor would see his penalty creep under the palms of Maher, after Aaron Barry’s late lunge on Shane Farrell won the Reds their spot-kick.
The Seagulls would reply shortly after with a spot-kick of their own six minute later, with Conor Clifford slotting home from 12 yards out.
Early sub Michael Barker was adjudged to have fouled a Bray forward by Alan Patchell, and the former Chelsea youngster made no mistake from the spot.
For spells after equalising, the hosts impressed – although their opportunities in front of goal were limited.
Richie O’Farrell and ex-Malahide United star Darren Craven both had efforts – but neither could cause Brendan Clarke any real issues of note.
And that inability to create goalscoring opportunities cost them dearly just before the break, as Shels retook the lead.
Brennan popped up at the back stick to head home his eighth goal of the season after he was found free by a searching Kevin O’Connor pass as the Reds took a 2-1 lead into half-time.
Similarly to the first-half, Bray reacted well to going behind, and domainated possession for the most part in a strong opening to the second-half.
But once again, they were unable to pierce open the Shels defence – and they were punished for that as the Reds doubled their lead in the 64th minute.
A long ball from Clarke resulted in a handball, with referee Patchell again pointing to the spot.
Brennan then stepped up to score his second of the night to put the game beyond the reach of the hosts.
Michael O’Connor then went close with a header with just over 20 minutes to play – but his effort just went over the bar.
Sub Brian McManus then went close himself with ten minutes to play, but the Reds scored their fourth in the 87th minute of the game through Ally Gilchrist.
Gilchrist wriggled free at the back post, and poked home from Georgie Poynton’s corner kick, leaving their hosts in no doubt as to who the deserved victors were.
The result all but ends Bray’s scant title hopes, while the Reds moved further clear in their quest for a second First Division title in three years.
Bray Wanderers: Brian Maher; Andrew Quinn, Richie O'Farrell, Aaron Barry (c), Dylan Barnett; Brandon Kavanagh, Ryan Graydon (Luka Lovic 75), Conor Clifford, Mark Byrne; Gary Shaw (Joe Doyle 62), Darren Craven (Steven Kinsella 75).
Subs not used: Dean O'Shea, Cian Maher, Glen Hollywood, Kian Clarke, Sean Callan.
Booked: Aaron Barry (8), Darren Craven (68), Ryan Graydon (71).
Shelbourne: Brendan Clarke; John Ross Wilson, Kevin O'Connor, Ally Gilchrist, Luke Byrne (c); Dayle Rooney, George Poynton, JJ Lunney, Shane Farrell (Michael Barker 12), Ryan Brennan (Brian McManus 80); Michael O'Connor.
Subs not used: Sean Quinn, Kyle O'Connor, Alex Nolan, Glen McAuley, Maxim Kouogun, Alex Cetiner, Jack Brady.
Referee: Alan Patchell
Attendance: 100.
ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: Ryan Brennan (Shelbourne).
