Cobh scalp keeps Bray's play-off hopes alive

Chris Lyons’ ninth goal of the season coupled with Conor Knight’s first goal for the Wicklow club helped secure a 2-1 victory on Friday evening over Cobh at the Carlisle Grounds.

Fri, 29 Sep, 2023 - 21:46

Paul Dowling

Bray Wanderers 2 Cobh Ramblers 1

Bray’s first home SSE Airtricity First Division win since the end of June kept their outside play-off hopes alive.

Chris Lyons’ ninth goal of the season coupled with Conor Knight’s first goal for the Wicklow club helped secure a 2-1 victory on Friday evening over Cobh at the Carlisle Grounds.

The Green and White’s are now seven points behind fifth place Athlone Town (who they play next week) with three league matches remaining.

The result halted Ramblers (who are already in the play-offs) four-game winning streak while also ending their hopes of catching Waterford in second place.

Having succumbed to Wexford last week, Wanderers made three changes with Jack Hudson, Knight and Lyons coming in.

As for the Cork side, Charlie O’Brien and Dale Holland made the first team from their victory over Finn Harps last week.

The hosts hit the front in the 27th minute.

Skipper Darren Craven whipped in a free right footed from the left flank. Lyons got a deft back header that dropped into the far corner of the net.

That lead was only maintained by Matt Connor’s fingertip save to keep out Brendan Frahill’s glancing header on 34 off Mikie Rowe’s corner.

It became 2-0 in the Seasiders' favour in the 38th minute.

Craven slalomed in off the right flank into the box. His initial effort was blocked. His second shot was parried. But the rebound fell to Conor Knight who placed a low volley in from close range for his first ever senior goal.

Cobh claimed a consolation in the 96th minute just before the final whistle when Brendan Frahill forced the ball over the line after a corner.

Bray Wanderers: Connor; Murphy, Hudson, Omorehiomwan, O'Sullivan; Almirall (Crowley 76), Groome (Cooney 88), Craven; Knight (Davis 84), Thompson (Morgan 88); Chris Lyons (Mahdy 76).

Cobh Ramblers: Steacy; Justin Eguaibor, Frahill, O'Brien (Waweru 67); McCarthy, Holland (Abbott 85), Byrne (Desmond 67), Browne; Rowe (O’Leary 75); Doherty, McKevitt (Charlie Lyons 75).

Referee: Robert Dowling (Kildare).