William O'Connor’s UCD dominate but fall short as Bray advances in the play-offs

Bray Wanderers secured their spot in the First Division play-off final with a resilient defensive display, holding off William O’Connor’s UCD at the UCD Bowl, despite the College winning 1-0.  

O’Connor, who is a native of Buncrana and is in his first year in charge of the Students, will be first to admit that his side can hold their heads high after dominating possession despite having a one-man advantage for over 30 minutes, but Bray’s defence, led by goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran, stood firm. 

Chasing a 2-0 deficit from the first leg, UCD made several changes and started brightly, with Adam Wells going close early on. However, Bray’s organised defence kept the home side at bay, limiting them to few clear chances in the first half. 

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The second half followed a similar pattern, with UCD pressing forward but struggling to break through. Corcoran made several key saves, including a brilliant stop from Éanna Clancy’s long-range effort.  

Bray were reduced to 10 men just before the hour mark when substitute Paul Murphy received a straight red card for a challenge on Wells. 

UCD finally got on the scoresheet in the 89th minute when Ronan Finn converted a penalty after Max Murphy fouled Ciaran Behan in the box.  

And despite seven minutes of stoppage time, Bray held on, securing their place in the final against Athlone Town at Dalymount Park, where they will compete for a chance to face Drogheda United in the promotion/relegation play-off.