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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Buncrana native and UCD manager William O'Connor
Buncrana native William O’Connor’s UCD fell to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the First Division play-off semi-final at the Carlisle Grounds to Bray Wanderers, putting the Wicklow side in a strong position ahead of the return leg.
In front of a crowd of over 1,200, Bray took control after a shaky start. Guillermo Almirall opened the scoring in the first half, capitalising on a low cross from Kieran Cruise.
Despite UCD's early pressure, including a close chance from a Ronan Finn set-piece, Bray found their rhythm and dominated much of the game.
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The hosts doubled their lead in the second half when substitute Conor Knight set up Cristian Magerusan, who finished calmly into the bottom corner. UCD pushed hard for a response, with substitute Ciaran Behan testing Bray goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran, but they couldn’t break through.
Bray will head into the second leg at the UCD Bowl with confidence, holding a solid advantage as both teams battle for a chance to face Drogheda United in the promotion/relegation playoff.
UCD, though, will be eager to turn things around in front of their home crowd on Monday.
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