Super-sub Kelly grabs late winner as Bray sink Kerry

Now unbeaten in four games, the Seasiders are clear in second place in the First Division, but five points off leaders Cork City.

Fri, 27 Mar, 2026 - 22:11

Paul Dowling

First Division: Bray Wanderers 2 Kerry FC 1

Super-sub Ryan Kelly bagged an injury time winner as Bray continued their Carlisle Grounds hoodoo over Kerry.

The side from the Kingdom had lost all six previous visits to the seaside since entering the League of Ireland back in 2023.

But they looked to be on for the first ever point at the Wicklow venue after Niall Brookwell gave them a second minute lead.

Yet, Ben McCormack equalised after the interval for Wanderers.

Then three minutes into stoppage time, Cian Doyle’s corner was headed clear by Jonas Hakkinen.

It dropped 15-yards out on the left of the penalty area for Kelly who rifled a stunning left-footed drive through a crowded goalmouth and into the right corner of the net.

With away manager Colin Healy serving a touchline ban, and skipper Kilian Cantwell up against the side he led to the Promotion/Relegation Final in both 2024 and 2025, it was the visitors who took a second minute lead.

Cian Bargery’s long through ball led to a bout of head tennis. The ball dropped to Brookwell for volley in from eight-yards out.

With the mercurial Billy O’Neill away on duty with the Irish U19’s, Wanderers restored parity right on the hour mark.

From a corner, the ball was headed against the post by a Kerry defender.

Jamie Duggan challenged and then dinked a cross back across goal where the unmarked McCormack headed in.

Now unbeaten in four games, the Seasiders are clear in second place in the First Division, but five points off leaders Cork City.

Meanwhile, goals from Liam Doyle, Mikie Rowe and Adam Verdon ensured Wexford secured a 3-2 home victory against Treaty United.

Bray Wanderers: Corcoran; Kizenga, Duggan, Osaige, O’Shea (Kelly 63); Doyle, McCormack; Azende, Ferizaj (Cheese 84), Sammy (Knight 73); Achara (Ring 63).

Kerry FC: Halwax; Cooney (O’Connell 55), Cantwell, Hakkinen, Brookwell; Lee, Healy (Palmer 90 + 4), Bargary (Brosnan 90 + 4), Murphy; McGrath (Bermingham 69), Koufie (Kelliher 69).

Referee: Paul Norton.