Dundalk FC :: News

BRAY WANDERERS 0-0 DUNDALK FC
Friday 15 August 2008: Carlisle Grounds, Bray

RED SECURES REPLAY FOR ROPEY BRAY

A professional foul from central defender Derek Foran ultimately earned Premier Division side Bray Wanderers a replay with First Division leaders Dundalk, as the ten-man Seagulls held out for a scoreless draw in this FAI Ford Cup Fourth Round clash at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening. As Tiarnán Mulvenna bore down on goal with just goalkeeper Alan Gough to beat, Foran scythed down the youngster and prevented him from what would certainly have been the deadlock breaker, and probably the match winner.

For long spells, Dundalk belied their lower status as they were much the better side than Bray, whose performance suggested that the perceived gap between the two divisions is not as big as thought by many. In the entire ninety minutes, Bray failed to test visiting ‘keeper Chris Bennion once, with their display showing why their results have been so poor in the past two months. Going into the game, Wanderers had only won once in their previous eight outings, and only for Foran’s last ditch tackle, it would have been a seventh loss in nine games for Eddie Gormley’s men.

For the short trip to the seaside town, manager John Gill decided on choosing a full-strength starting XI, as he confirmed the club’s ambition to go as far as possible in this season’s competition. The only two changes from the previous week’s draw at Sporting Fingal were both enforced, as recent signings Dessie Baker and Derek Doyle were both cup-tied. Replacing that duo were the returning Tiarnán Mulvenna and Jamie Duffy, who lined-out on the left-wing for the first time in his Dundalk career. Bray, meanwhile, were unable to call on their only ex-Lilywhite, Derek Pender, who was suspended.

In a bright start to the game, Dundalk had a number of efforts on the Bray goal. However, only one of them seriously threatened, as their first two, two speculative efforts from Duffy, went well off-target. The first, and only meaningful, shot of the night came right on the quarter-hour, as the Lilywhites went within millimetres of hitting the front. Mulvenna, who caused problems all night, was upended just outside the area, and David Crawley stood up to curl the resulting free-kick beautifully towards goal only for the ball to crash back off the upright. Moments later, Bray had a genuine penalty claim turned down, however, that was the last note of the half as a good opening to the match soon turned into a tame affair as both sides cancelled each other out.

On top for much of the first-half, Dundalk continued in the same vein following the resumption. However, they failed to trouble Alan Gough in the Bray goal. On the hour-mark, however, the game took a significant twist, as the hosts were reduced to ten men. David Cassidy’s inch perfect through ball set Mulvenna free, however, right on the 18-yard line, Derek Foran clipped the heels of the striker as he prepared to put the visitors in front. Referee Ian Stokes had no option but to dismiss the young defender, however, that tackle proved the saving point for Bray, as Trevor Vaughan’s free from a promising position went wildly wide of goal.

Shortly after that, Dundalk again came close as Crawley’s corner was headed wide by captain John Flanagan. However, that was their last real chance of the night. With a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, Bray ventured forward, and they almost found a lead goal. After a goalmouth scramble, Ray Kenny got into the box and hooked the ball goalwards, however, there wasn’t enough power in the effort as Bennion gathered with ease inside his six-yard area. Within a minute, Dundalk had an opportunity at the other end, but Duffy’s header flew wide of the target after a cross from the right by Flanagan.

As the game petered out, neither side looked like winning it as a replay looked certain. However, Bray almost avoided a second date in the first of the three added minutes of injury-time. Midfielder Mark Duggan found substitute Paul Dunphy down the left-wing, with his cross picking out veteran Colm Tresson. However, just ten-yards from goal, Tresson fluffed his lines as he scuffed his effort wide.

dundalkfc.com Man of the Match: BEN WHELEHAN (Dundalk)…narrowly edged out for this award against Sporting Fingal, Whelehan easily landed the ‘Man of the Match’ accolade this time around. A key figure in a defence that has now gone six games and over 570 minutes without conceding a goal, Whelehan was once again exceptional here as he easily dealt with the Bray attack, which included Ger Rowe, Aidan O’Keefe and Paddy Kavanagh. Whelehan won every header and tackle that came his way during the game, and with every passing performance, it is becoming evident that perhaps the towering centre-half’s long-term knee injury last season was the key reason why Dundalk’s season ultimately fell apart. Now back in the groove and with a run of six straight games in the team, Whelehan’s continued fitness and form could well be the pivotal factor in whether or not Dundalk claim the First Division title this term.

MATCH STATS - Bray - Dundalk
Goals: 0-0
Shots: 6-11
Shots ON Target: 2-1
Shots OFF Target: 4-10
Corners: 5-4
Fouls Committed: 17-19
Offsides: 4-5
Yellow Cards: 2-1
Red Cards: 1-0

BRAY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Alan Gough; Gavin Whelan, Derek Foran, Ray Kenny, Gary Cronin; Gareth Coughlan (Paul Dunphy 61), Alan Cawley, Mark Duggan, Aidan O'Keeffe (Colm Tresson 63); Paddy Kavanagh, Ger Rowe.
Booked: A Gough (63), M Duggan (75).
Sent-Off: D Foran (59).

DUNDALK FC (4-4-2): Chris Bennion; John Flanagan, Ian Ryan, Ben Whelehan, David Crawley; David Cassidy, Paul Shiels, Paul Crowley, Jamie Duffy (Davie O'Connor 90); Trevor Vaughan, Tiarnán Mulvenna (Paul Smyth 75).
Booked: B Whelehan (34).
Unused Subs: Aaron Shanahan (GK), Simon Kelly, Shane Grimes, Paul Marney.

Referee: Ian Stokes (Dublin).