Match Report - Dundalk FC Vs Bray Wanderers

Dundalk FC 2–2 Bray Wanderers

Oriel Park, Friday, May 9, 2025

Photos by Gerry Scully

Dundalk FC extended their unbeaten start to the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division season, but had to settle for a share of the spoils after a dramatic 2–2 draw with Bray Wanderers at Oriel Park.

The Lilywhites looked poised for a valuable home win after Sean McHale’s superb first-half strike gave Ciarán Kilduff’s men a deserved lead. However, Bray battled back through Killian Cantwell and, despite going down to ten men, the visitors stole the lead late on, only for substitute Gbemi Arubi to rescue a point with a stoppage-time equalizer.

Dundalk controlled the opening stages and broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Keith Ward’s dink into the box was initially cleared, but Sean McHale latched onto the loose ball on the left side of the box and rifled it into the far corner with a swerving strike from 15 yards, his first goal for the club.

Despite Dundalk’s dominance, Bray found their way back into the game in the 31st minute. A free kick from Max Murphy was floated into the area, and Wanderers captain Killian Cantwell directed a header past Peter Cherrie to level the contest.

The second half remained cagey until a major flashpoint in the 68th minute. Mayowa Animasahun surged forward from deep but went down after contact from Bray midfielder Cian Doyle. Already on a booking, Doyle was shown a second yellow, reducing the visitors to ten men and drawing strong protests from their bench.

Dundalk looked to make the extra man count. Ward went close from a free kick, and Dean Ebbe was denied by a heroic goal-line clearance from Cantwell.

However, Bray stunned the home crowd in the 88th minute. Max Murphy’s long-range free kick was touched onto the crossbar by Cherrie, but Harvey Warren was first to the rebound to smash home from close range.

Just as it looked like Dundalk might suffer their first defeat of the season, they struck back in the 92nd minute. Sean Keogh delivered a dangerous corner to the near post, where substitute Gbemi Arubi rose highest to head home, his first league goal for the club, and one that kept the Lilywhites’ unbeaten run alive.

Dundalk FC Line-Up: Peter Cherrie; Conor O’Keeffe, Vincent Leonard, Mayowa Animasahun, Sean McHale (Andy Paraschiv 59’); Keith Ward (Gbemi Arubi 89’), Shane Tracey (TJ Molloy Murray 89’); Leo Gaxha, Daryl Horgan, Sean Keogh; Eoin Kenny (Dean Ebbe HT).

Unused Subs: Luke Mulligan, Sean Spaight, Cian Spaight, Enda Minogue, Samuel Safaei.

Bookings: Keogh (45+1’), Gaxha (87’)

Bray Wanderers Line-Up: Corcoran; Duggan, Cantwell, Warren, Murphy; Bartley, Doyle; O’Neill, R. Knight (Ryan 71’), C. Knight (Costello 65’); Curtis (Almirall 80’).

Red Card: Doyle (39’, 68’)

Bookings: Cantwell (73’), Corcoran (84’), Paul Heffernan (69’), Conor Knight (69’)

Referee: Daniel Murphy

Attendance: 1,874

Manager’s Verdict – Ciarán Kilduff: “We showed character to come back late, and Gbemi made a real impact off the bench. We’ll be disappointed not to win, but credit to the lads for fighting to the end.”

Next Up: Dundalk travel to St. Colman’s Park next Friday, May 16, where they’ll take on Cobh Ramblers in what promises to be another crucial First Division clash. With both sides pushing for promotion, the Lilywhites will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and return to winning ways.

Arubi's late equalizer - Photos by Gerry Scully