League Report: Cork City 2 - 2 Bray Wanderers

An Andrew Quinn goal deep into stoppage time helped Bray secure a scarcely deserved point at Turners Cross to  keep up their bid to stay in the promotion race.

The draw felt like a defeat for the home-side as they dropped more points at home.

Despite a two-nil lead approaching the final ten minutes, they were unable to see it out as their poor form at home continues.

Both sides with unchanged teams from last weekend. Colin Healy named two 16-year-old’s on his bench as Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh and Cathal Heffernan made their first appearance in the squad.

Gary Cronin was able to introduce recent signings Daniel Jones and Sam Verdon, but they both started on the bench.

Cork started the better and went ahead within the first five minutes. Bray failed to clear properly from a Dylan McGlade free and it fell to Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh.

He squared to Cian Murphy who managed to poke home from close range. It kept up his good recent form.

Cork were lifted by the goal and maintained a high press up the field and O’Brien-Whitmarsh was causing them particular concern. His first effort was deflected wide when allowed to come forward in space.

Bray were then almost caught when playing out from the back. Brian Maher saved his defenders blushes as they were disposed by him.

He came out quickly to block the shot. A strong run and cross from the impressive McGlade was just claimed by Maher in front of Murphy.

Bray began to come more into the game as they saw more of the ball.

Twice they were given opportunities with free kicks in threatening positions just outside the area. City held firm though.

The better chances were still coming to City though. McGlade broke down the left before passing it inside to O’Brien-Whitmarsh.

Only an excellent last-ditch tackle denied him. McGlade then forced Maher into a strong save from a free that he won himself.

Bray seemed to be more offensive as the second half began. They started pushing City back further without creating anything clear-cut.

Instead, City went further in front. Dylan Barnett had initially saved Bray from a goal-line clearance from McGlade.

His corner was played into O’Brien-Whitmarsh, and his cross found the head of Murphy yet again.

The discipline and tracking-back from the midfield and defence was impressive as Bray struggled to find any space to create opportunities. A penalty shout was ignored as Dylan McGlade went down in the area.

He continued to buzz around the Bray midfield whenever they were on the ball.

It was a surprise when Bray got back into the game. Alec Byrne was caught on the ball and Darren Craven let fly with a shot just outside the area. It rattled the bar before hitting the net.

City were hanging on going into injury time. The equaliser came from a huge moment of controversy and luck. The ball was cleared toward as Jack Walsh aimed to run onto it. Maher came out to clear but seemed to strike the ball with his hand.

It was played forward into the penalty area when Mark McNulty attempted to punch it away. It landed at the feet of Quinn whose shot just about trickled home.

The home players slumped to the ground at the end, as Bray celebrated their good fortune. City will have to try and lift themselves to take on Wexford next weekend. Bray take on Galway at home.

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Jonas Hakkinen, Darragh Crowley, Gordon Walker; Cian Coleman, Alec Byrne, Steven Beattie, Dylan McGlade (Ronan Hurley 90), Gearóid Morrissey (c); Cian Murphy (Uniss Kargbo 69), Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh (Jack Walsh 76).

Subs not used: Dale Holland, Cathal Heffernan, David Harrington, Oran Crowe, Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh, Jamie Wynne.

Booked: Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh (39).

Bray Wanderers: Brian Maher; Aaron Barry (c), Dylan Barnett, Richie O'Farrell (Daniel Jones 61), Andrew Quinn; Darren Craven, Conor Clifford, Mark Byrne, Brandon Kavanagh, Luka Lovic (Sam Verdon 61); Joe Doyle.

Subs not used: Glen Hollywood, Kian Clarke, Sean Callan, Steven Kinsella, Cian Maher, Dean O'Shea, Gary Shaw.

Booked: Conor Clifford (73) .

Referee: Paul McLoughlin

Attendance: 500.

extratime.com Player of the Match: Dylan McGlade (Cork City).