Carlisle Grounds, home of Bray Wanderers based in County Wicklow, Ireland and play their trade in the League of Ireland First Division. Nicknamed the “Seagulls” as it’s a seaside town.
It’s that time of year when the Irish games are available to me and Holyhead ferry port is waiting! Tonight it’s my first ever League of Ireland First Division game and my first time out of Dublin in Ireland! It’s Bray Wanderers vs University College Dublin better known as UCD. Both teams still in with hope of promotion which should make it a good tie!
So after a swift Guinness at John Kehoe’s it’s off to Tara Street station and off to Bray Daly station. 45 minutes later and here I am and what a lovely little seaside town this is! Reminds me of Penzance in Cornwall a bit.
A big cross on top of the hill in the distance and with time to kill before kick off do I or don’t I…? Let’s do it! I have to say it’s not the easiest walk and especially not after training lower body in the gym the day before!! I finally made it to the top… Boy was that worth it! WHAT A VIEW!! Cross Christo Regi, Bray! CHECK! Now for the football.
€15 for this League of Ireland First Division tie! Sweet! The teams are ready! Who dares take that big step towards promotion? And who dares smash the windscreen of the 2 cars parked behind the near goal…?
Kick Off! A slow start to the game with both teams enjoying spells of possession but no real clear cut opportunities as of yet.
21 minutes gone and UCD are growing in this game but here come Bray down the left, it’s played across low looking for Feeney… Just behind him and it evades the shot and rolls away.
34th minute and here come Bray, it’s with Feeney on the edge of the box, he’s lost his footing but he’ll shoot ANYWAY… OH! Just over! Nearly a cracker of a goal there!
2 minutes later and Bray are intercepted on the edge of the UCD box, some great passing play to get out of trouble there by UCD and now they break forward, Michael Raggett is played through on goal here, what a goal this could be! He bares down on goal… And he finishes! That’s a brilliant build up break away goal there by UCD!! 0-1!
Bray are pressing forward but UCD look comfortable and at half time it remains 0-1.
Second half, 57th minute and UCD have it in the box with Adam Verdon who shoots near post… Good save!
The Bray faithful are becoming frustrated here with the lack of opportunities… They’re playing like England in the Euros! Passing it around and no cutting edge! UCD very comfortable here.
82 minutes now and UCD have a free kick about 25 yards out, Adam Verdon shoots… Side netting.
Bray start to pile on the pressure towards the end of the game… But UCD hold on for the win! A priceless 3 points for UCD!
FT: Bray Wanderers 0-1 UCD
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 4/10 – Very family orientated! A group of boys gave it a good go but no real chanting sadly…
- The Ground: 7/10 – Non League vibes! I do wish there was more behind the goals but it’s a lovely ground! I like both stands and they have a good fan zone as well!
- Expense: 10/10 – €15 is a great price for second tier football!!
- Overall Experience: 7/10 – Really enjoyed my day in Bray but just needed more in the game to make it more interesting really…
28/40