Bray Wanderers equalled a club record tonight, with their win over Athlone making it six wins in a row at the Carlisle Grounds, the joint most on the bounce at home for The Seagulls since their entry into the League of Ireland.
Bray put in a solid performance and were completely dominant in every aspect of the game, but, in truth, Athlone never found their rhythm.
The opening talking point of the game came in the 8th minute, when Calum Costello won the ball back in the opposition box, he then struck the woodwork and came back into play, the ball then fell to 16 year old Billy O’Neill, who also clattered the post.
The Wanderers didn’t have to wait much longer for their opener, however, as just ten minutes later, defender Max Murphy whipped a brilliant cross into the box, which was met with a header of just as much quality from Jamie Duggan, making it two games in a row in which the 20 year old has scored.
Bray’s relentless pressure once again paid off 26 minutes in. Spaniard Guillermo Almirall won the ball for The Seagulls, he then threaded a pass through for Conor Knight on the left, Knight cut inside, composed himself and delivered a precise curler off the post and into the back of the net.
Bray’s early two goal lead forced The Midlanders into an early change after 27 minutes. Kyle O’Connor on for Brian Torre.
Athlone created a couple of half chances in the closing stages of the first half, but nothing that truly troubled the home defence.
Bray led by two going into the break, which had the Bray supporters in fine voice and the atmosphere was buzzing.
Athlone started the second half well, creating a couple of chances and threatening The Seagulls defence with more purpose.
Bray grew into the second half and once again began to dominate the game, The Wanderers grabbed their third after 64 minutes. Jamie Duggan carefully threaded his pass into Billy O’Neill, beating Athlone’s offside trap, O’Neill passed the Midlanders defence, and rounded goalkeeper Matthew Connor, to pass the ball into an empty net and surely secure all three points for the Seagulls.
Bray had chances through Costello and O’Neill to increase their advantage but were unable to put the cherry on the cake.
With just two minutes remaining, Kyle Robinison got on the end of an Athlone cross, reducing the defecit and scoring a constellation.
Overall, Bray played very well and took their chances well, Athlone didn’t look up to the game at all. This win along with Dundalk’s 2-1 win over Cobh Ramblers, sees Bray sit four points off Dundalk at the top aheas of their derby against Wexford on Friday, 23rd May.
For Athlone, the loss against Bray today sees them stay on equal points with last placed Longford Town, and eight placed Finn Harps. Athlone will welcome Cobh Ramblers at the Athlone Town Stadium next Friday.
My MOTM: Billy O’Neill.