Match Report: Bray Wanderers 2–0 Dundalk FC

Sean McGuinness
Jul 12
3 min read

📍 Carlisle Grounds

Friday, July 11th, 2025

Clinical Bray Strike Twice to Down Dundalk

Dundalk FC missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division as Bray Wanderers struck in each half to claim a 2–0 win at the Carlisle Grounds.

Despite dominating possession and creating the bulk of the chances, the Lilywhites were undone by a 43rd-minute penalty from Max Murphy and a stoppage-time goal from Danu Kinsella-Bishop, a result that breathes new life into Bray’s promotion challenge.

First Half: Dundalk Take Control but Trail at the Break

Ciarán Kilduff’s side controlled the first half in scorching conditions on the east coast, carving out multiple opportunities but failing to convert.

Gbemi Arubi and Eoin Kenny were lively early on, both testing Bray’s defensive shape. A slick passage of play saw Arubi tee up Kenny for a deflected strike over the bar, while Harry Groome’s low effort soon after forced Corcoran into a smart save.

Dean Ebbe’s intelligent flick nearly unlocked the home side on 33 minutes, setting up Kenny for a half-volley that skipped just wide of the far post. A minute later, Daryl Horgan found Kenny with a pinpoint cross, but the header flashed wide.

Bray’s only real foray forward in the first half came late, but it proved pivotal. A controversial penalty awarded to Bray as Billy O’Neill wriggled into the area and was deemed to have been caught by Seán Keogh.

Max Murphy sent Enda Minogue the wrong way from the penalty spot to give the hosts the lead completely against the run of play.

Second Half: All Dundalk, But No Way Through

The second period was one-way traffic. Dundalk piled forward with intent and intensity, only to be denied time and again by a heroic display from Corcoran.

Just four minutes in, Ebbe’s point-blank header was somehow clawed away by the Bray stopper before Horgan’s rebound was cleared off the line by Paul Murphy. Arubi had the ball in the net on 56 minutes, but the flag was raised for offside.

Another Horgan delivery moments later found Ebbe inside six yards, again, it seemed certain, but Corcoran produced another brilliant save to push the ball away.

Eoin Kenny, embarked on a thrilling solo run from distance, beating three Bray defenders before being denied once more by the Bray keeper.

Substitute Declan McDaid nearly picked out Paraschiv with a low cross, but his first-time effort flew wide.

Dundalk’s final clear chance came late on. McDaid beat the offside trap and broke into the area, but his curling effort agonizingly drifted past the far post.

Despite a handful of late Bray counters, it looked like the match would end 1–0, until the hosts struck again in injury time.

O’Neill lofted a ball forward, and substitute Danu Kinsella Bishop took it down, rounded Minogue, and finished into the net to seal it.

Dundalk FC: Minogue; Wilson, McHale, V. Leonard, S. Keogh (Paraschiv 45'), Groome (Molloy 85), Dervin; Kenny (Ward 61), Ebbe, Horgan; Arubi (McDaid 61)

Subs not used: Cherrie, Safaei, Spaight, Tracey, Vaughan

Booked: Keogh, Wilson

Bray Wanderers: Corcoran; Duggan, Cantwell, P. Murphy, M. Murphy; Bartley (Tallon 90+4), Doyle; B. O’Neill, R. Knight (Almirall 72), C. Knight (Fagbemi 85); Curtis (Kinsella Bishop 72)

Goals: M. Murphy (43’ pen), Kinsella Bishop (90+2)

Booked: Curtis, Doyle, Corcoran, C. Knight, O’Neill, Tallon

Referee: Declan Toland

Attendance: 1,712

🎥 Match Highlights

Up Next

Dundalk FC return to Oriel Park next Friday night where they’ll host Sligo Rovers in the first round of the FAI Cup.

The Lilywhites will be eager to bounce back quickly from the disappointment in Bray as attention turns to cup competition. With a proud tradition in the FAI Cup, Dundalk will be hoping to begin another memorable journey and give the home supporters something to cheer about.

Ciarán Kilduff’s side will look to bring their attacking flair and intensity back to Oriel, where they remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early and get behind the lads as they aim for a strong response and a place in the next round.