Monaghan United 0 - 1 Bray Wanderers
Credit:
Bray Wanderers took a 1-0 win from Gortakeegan on Friday evening and deservedly so after a slow and sometimes dull bottom of the table encounter.
The first half of this match certainly was not one of the most exciting encounters for the small number of spectators in Gortakeegan. Bray created the most chances and looked the better side despite Monaghan probably faring better with possession. The front two for Monaghan lacked in confidence and it was very evident.
Bray went on the attack early forcing a save from Michael Schlingermann with only 40 seconds on the clock after a cross in fell perfectly to Kieran Waters in the box. He touch was met by the clearly confident goalkeeper after a good performance last week.
The lack of confidence in Monaghan's attack was apparent after three minutes when after some scrappy work from both sides the ball fell to Jordan Keegan in the box whose shot was blocked down. The ball fell for a shot from Tony Griffiths who chose to try to pass the ball. It gave the Bray defence time to report back and clear the danger.
Kieran 'Marty' Waters was impressive for Bray and his strength was seen in the 11th minute with a good 70 yard dash up the wing. His cross was headed out by Alan Byrne but fell to Waters whose shot went wide. The threat of Waters was seen again in the 14th minute when he was at the receiving end of a powering cross along the goal line but failed to get a touch. Jason Byrne continued Bray's attack with a great strike after Paul Whelan's header to clear fell perfectly for him to get the shot in but he watched it go wide.
Jordan Keegan got Monaghan's first chance in the 24th minute after Keith Quinn and Tony Griffith combined to feed Keegan and his shot was on target but didn't test Darren Quigley.
Bray started the second half as they did the first when a chip in from Adam Hanlon gifted Jason Byrne a header, but he didn't put enough power behind it and Schlingermann dealt with it.
Jason Byrne missed another chance for Bray, striking wide of the post in the 52nd minute and the travelling support would be forgiven for wondering would they rue these opportunties.
In the 60th minute Bray wasted probably their best chance of the hour as Dane Massey's shot was hit wide after great work from Waters to set him up.
Roddy tried to spruce up the Monaghan midfield with substitutions in the 64 and 65th minute with the introduction of William McDonagh and Owen Humphrey for Robert Bayly and Stephen Maher.
There was a rush of excitement for the crowd as Keith Quinn sent was off for Monaghan United in the 69th minute for a sliding challenge on Dave Webster. That was followed by the referee sending Roddy Collins to sit in the stand for his objections. This was the third week in a row for Monaghan to end up with ten men, last week it made them work harder and get their first win of the season. Unfortunately for the home support, that was not the case.
In the 74th minute Bray came the closest of either team to hitting the net as Adam Hanlon's shot had Schlingermann beaten but powered off the corner of the crossbar.
Finally in the 86th minute the deadlock was broke as Jason Byrne's header beat Michael Schlingermann from Kevin Knight's cross from a corner. Bray had definitely looked like the team with more chance of scoring and with Monaghan being reduced to ten men it just made it easier.
Monaghan United: Micheal Schlingermann; Paul Whelan, Conor McMahon, Stephen Maher, Darragh Reynor; Keith Quinn, Robert Bayly (c) (Willo McDonagh 64), Shaun Maher, Jordan Keegan (Owen Humphrey 65); Conor Murphy (Danny McGuinness 52), Tony Griffiths.
Subs Not Used: Conor Forde, Roddy Collins, Bobby Ryan, Jason Marks.
Yellow Cards: Murphy (50), McMahon (90+1).
Red Cards: Quinn (69).
Bray Wanderers: Darren Quigley; Dave Webster, Danny O'Connor (c), Pierce Sweeney, Kevin Knight; Adam Hanlon, Dean Zambra, John Mulroy (Sean Houston 78), Dane Massey (Anthony Bolger 85); Jason Byrne, Kieran Marty Waters.
Subs Not Used: Brian Kane, Adam Mitchell, Daire Doyle, Graham Kelly, Stephen Last.
Yellow Cards: Zambra (56).
Referee: Rob Rogers.
Attendance: 151
Extratime Man Of The Match: Jason Byrne (Bray Wanderers).
