Students take early initiative

Bray Wanderers 0 UCD 2: UCD COLLECTED their first points of the season when first-half goals from Timmy Purcell and Paul Byrne gave them a thoroughly deserved victory over a disappointing Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds last night.

The Students had the perfect start on six minutes when a corner from defender Ian Bermingham on the right was twice not properly cleared by the Bray defence. Byrne then had a scuffed shot which fell perfectly into the path of fellow striker Purcell who slotted home his effort from six yards.

Mark Duggan then had a header pushed out by College goalkeeper Matt Gregg from close range after striker Andy Myler had set up the chance on the right.

Duggan then had another pile-driver from 30 yards again blocked by Gregg.

Bray were to rue that missed opportunity when Byrne added a second goal for the visitors on 28 minutes. Goalkeeper Chris O'Connor was all at sea when a cross from Ronan King on the right was headed on by Purcell for Byrne to tuck the ball into the net from close range.

The introduction of half-time substitutes Paul Dunphy and John Mulroy for Alan Cawley and Myler by Bray manager Eddie Gormley failed to ignite a second-half revival. The students were solid in defence, with central defenders Brian Shortall and Conor Kenna playing dominant roles.

BRAY: O'Connor; Pender, Tresson, Kenny, Cronin; Whelan, Cawley (Dunphy 45), Duggan, McCabe (Ivory 61); Rowe, Myler (Mulroy 45).

UCD: Gregg; Mahon, Shortall, Kenna, Bermingham; King, Finn, McNally, McWalter; Purcell, Byrne.

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times