Bray Wanderers take grip of play-off semi-final with UCD

It is advantage Bray Wanderers in the First Division play-off semi final first leg as they emerged as deserved victors over UCD with an impressive 2-0 win at the Carlisle Grounds.

With 1,205 onlookers braving the blustery conditions, goals from Guillermo Almirall and Cristian Magerusan ensured the Wanderers take a healthy advantage to the UCD Bowl on Monday afternoon in what promises to be a fascinating return contest as both sides renew rivalries hoping for the eventual opportunity to face Drogheda United - who had their relegation/promotion playoff faith sealed with Bohemians overcoming Sligo Rovers last Saturday.

The visitors actually started brightly and forced a number of well worked set -pieces. The closest of which was a well-drilled Sam Norval corner found Ronan Finn unmarked at the edge of the box but was bravely held by Cole Omorehiomwan.

Although winless in their four encounters with the Students in the league, the full-strength hosts responded well to the slow start and took control of proceedings with right back Max Murphy flying forward with no invitation needed.

The former Shamrock Rovers and Bohs man saw his powerful strike dragged wide as a signal of intent of what was to come.

The home side then went closest to opening the scoring with less than a quarter of an hour played when the towering Omorehiomwan rose highest in a crowded area but headed straight at Kian Moore from just a few yards out.

And just two minutes later they got a deserved lead when Kieran Cruise took on all-comers on the left side before delivering a devilishly whipped low ball into the corridor of uncertainty between goalkeeper and defenders, eventually finding its way to the Spaniard Guillermo Almirall to tap home at the back post for his