Three first half goals help Dundalk claim victory on Bray Wanderers' new all-weather surface

The result means Ciaran Kilduff’s charges are now unbeaten with four victories from their first five games of the 2025 campaign.

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025 - 21:50

Paul Dowling

Bray Wanderers 1 Dundalk 3

A whirlwind start by Dundalk saw them spoil the Bray party on the new all-weather surface at the Carlisle Grounds.

In front of a crowd of 1,650 on Friday evening, the visitors scored twice between the eighth and 11th minute before making it 3-0 on the half hour.

The result means Ciaran Kilduff’s charges are now unbeaten with four victories from their first five games of the 2025 campaign and lead the way at the top of the table – two points clear of fellow undefeated club Cobh Ramblers.

From their away victory over Kerry last week, the Seagulls made two changes. Guillermo Almirall started his first game of the season while there was a senior home debut for 16-year-old Richard Ferizaj.

The Lilywhites were unchanged from the side that drew with Treaty United last week.

In the first league meeting between the clubs since 2018, the Louth side went ahead in the eighth when a through ball rebounded off Jordan Tallon.

It ran to the unmarked Daryl Horgan inside the penalty area and he fired past Jimmy Corcoran from 14-yards.

It got even better three minutes later. Keith Ward’s corner went deep. Aodh Dervin put the ball back into the danger zone with Dean Ebbe applying the finishing touch.

The Oriel Park outfit notched a third in the 30th minute. Sean Keogh’s left wing cross was blocked back to him. He headed the follow up towards the six-yard area and the ball ran loose to Eoin Kenny to slot in from eight yards.

Wanderers bagged a 93rd minute consolation when Max Murphy converted a penalty.

Bray Wanderers: Corcoran; Max Murphy, Cantwell, Paul Murphy, Duggan; Tallon, Doyle (Rhys Knight 72); Almirall (Conor Knight 66), Ferizaj (Bartley half time), Costello (O’Neill 72); Curtis (Kinsella-Bishop 66).

Dundalk: Cherrie; Dervin, McHale, Leonard, Keogh (Spaigh 88); Groome, Paraschiv (Arubi 72); Kenny, Ward (Tracey 72), Horgan; Ebbe (Molloy-Murray 83).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan (Cork).