Bray Triumphs Over UCD Again to Secure Spot in First Division Play-off Final
Bray Wanderers secured their place in the First Division play-off final with a decisive 3-2 victory over UCD in the second leg of their semi-final. With a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Bray extended their lead at the Carlisle Grounds, attracting the largest crowd of the season.
Key Moments of the Match
- Early Lead: Bray quickly increased their aggregate score through Killian Cantwell, who headed in a well-placed corner from Max Murphy in the third minute.
- UCD’s Response: In the 26th minute, UCD leveled the match on the night when Brian McManus scored with a half-volley after a corner from Ronan Finn.
- Bray’s Fortitude: Despite the setback, Bray continued to push forward. Justin Ferizaj came close with a shot that went just wide.
Second Half Goals
The second half started cautiously, benefiting Bray’s strategy. In the 61st minute, substitute Sean Brennan advanced the ball, setting up Cian Curtis, who recovered from an initial miss to score easily into an empty net. This goal heightened the hopes of the home crowd.
In injury time, Richard Ferizaj secured the victory for Bray by firing a composed finish past the UCD defense. Although Ciaran Behan netted a late consolation goal for UCD, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Match Statistics
| Team | Goals | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Bray Wanderers | 3 | Killian Cantwell, Cian Curtis, Richard Ferizaj |
| UCD | 2 | Brian McManus, Ciaran Behan |
Upcoming Final
With this victory, Bray Wanderers prepare to compete in the upcoming First Division play-off final. Their strong performance against UCD demonstrates their readiness for the challenge ahead.
