Bray Wanderers defeat William O'Connor's UCD to take control in play-off semi-final

Buncrana native William O’Connor’s UCD fell to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the First Division play-off semi-final at the Carlisle Grounds to Bray Wanderers, putting the Wicklow side in a strong position ahead of the return leg. 

In front of a crowd of over 1,200, Bray took control after a shaky start. Guillermo Almirall opened the scoring in the first half, capitalising on a low cross from Kieran Cruise.  

Despite UCD's early pressure, including a close chance from a Ronan Finn set-piece, Bray found their rhythm and dominated much of the game. 

READ NEXT: Carndonagh’s Sam Todd suffers defeat as Larne falls 4-1 to Shamrock Rovers 

The hosts doubled their lead in the second half when substitute Conor Knight set up Cristian Magerusan, who finished calmly into the bottom corner. UCD pushed hard for a response, with substitute Ciaran Behan testing Bray goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran, but they couldn’t break through. 

Bray will head into the second leg at the UCD Bowl with confidence, holding a solid advantage as both teams battle for a chance to face Drogheda United in the promotion/relegation playoff.  

UCD, though, will be eager to turn things around in front of their home crowd on Monday.