'We're really pleased with the performance and reaction to last week' - Gary Cronin reacts as Bray land big win over UCD

Andrew Dempsey reports from the Carlisle Grounds

Bray Wanderers boss Gary Cronin praised the reaction of his side after they bounced back from last week’s humbling at home to Shelbourne with a 4-0 win over UCD.

The Seagulls were in full control of proceedings on Friday night – with Darren Craven turning in a superb display to help his side earn all three points with minimal fuss.

It was Craven’s first ever senior League of Ireland goal – with the ex-Malahide United star slamming home past Lorcan Healy to open the scoring early in the first-half.

"It’s good to get the win and a clean sheet,” Cronin said after the game. “We’re really pleased with the performance and reaction to last week.

“UCD are a really good side, and they like to play a certain way, like ourselves.

“When our chances came, we took them. We have bodies coming back now and there’s good competition for places. I’m delighted with the win.”

He added: “Darren is a junior Irish international and has played in the Leinster Senior League for a number of years.

“We tried to bring him in before, but his work commitments got in the way of that, but he’s here now.

“We’re just hoping he kicks on now and scores some more goals for us. He put in a hell of a performance.”  



However, Friday’s win came at a cost as Gary Shaw was forced off at the half-time break with another injury setback.

Shaw has only made three starts this season – and has yet to complete a full ninety minutes. Although, the ex-Shamrock Rovers forward has started in Bray’s last two games.

“It’s no secret that Gary has struggled this year,” Cronin said. “He was flying in pre-season. There’s a problem with one of his nerves, and he’s just not at 100%.

“Gary is as honest, hardworking, experienced and talented as there is out there – and he’s just not at the 100% Gary Shaw that we know he is.

“We just need to get him right and that might take time than just a couple of weeks.”

He adds: “We’re in a situation now that we want to be in the playoffs at a minimum, and we need to keep chipping away to get him to a point where we have him where we want to be.



“When you look back at last year Gary was great for us then he had a hip problem in the last three games, and we missed him in the playoffs.

“Him, Darragh Lynch and Luka all had injuries at the same time which cost us. We want to make sure our squad is strong come the second half of the season.”

But Bray have at least been able to welcome back Sean Callan to the fold after an injury – while promising young forward Darragh Lynch remains a long-term absentee.

“Sean Callan hasn’t featured for us this year,” he finished. “He had a strange one that he came in with.

“But he seems to be over that now and is at a level of fitness to be an option. We’re looking at outside options now that we’re looking to bring in come July.”