Treaty Narrowly Lose Out Against Bray Wanderers

Bray Wanderers emerged with the three points at the Markets Field on Friday night as they earned a 0-1 victory over Treaty United. In a relatively even encounter, an 89th minute goal from Ben Feeney saw the visitors snatch the win when the game looked set to be a draw.

With a healthy attendance watching on at the Garryowen venue, Treaty began their third season in the First Division and named a side which contained two new signings in Anthony O’Donnell and Conor Barry. The continuity in the squad was clear to see and the only positional change which may have surprised supporters was Stephen Christopher selected at right-back with Ben O’Riordan playing next to O’Donnell at centre-back. Colin Conroy started in midfield next to experienced duo Mark Walsh and Lee Devitt. Once again, Enda Curran led the line with Barry and Dean George on either side of him.

Bray Wanderers named a whole new starting 11 with captain Dane Massey leading them from central defence. Impressive former Drogheda player Chris Lyons was named up front with five former Wexford players in the team including midfield duo Conor Crowley and Harry Groome.

New signing Ger Shortt had an early sight of goal from distance for the visitors but the effort didn’t trouble Conor Winn. On 15 mins, the energetic Len O’Sullivan whipped in a deep cross but Jake Walker was off balance when connecting with his header and it sailed wide. Curran should have done better with a header at the back post from Ludden’s cross.

Anto O’Donnell was known for his set-piece prowess in both boxes during his first stint with Treaty and he attacked Ludden’s free-kick with purpose but he couldn’t direct his header on target. The impressive young centre-back Cole Omorehiomwan headed over from a Bray corner as the cagey affair began to come to life.

On the stroke of half-time, Treaty had two decent chances as Lee Devitt’s improvisation created space for a shot on his right-foot and Moody was forced to stretch to make an impressive save. Moments later, the ball was recycled to Ludden at the edge of the box but his low drive was easily saved by Moody.

Five minutes into the second period, Bray right-back Max Murphy won possession back in the Treaty half and let fly but the shot flashed past the post. Shortt had his second effort of the game when he used the outside of his foot to curl goalwards but Winn watched the ball go wide. Conor Crowley also teed up Chris Lyons who looked destined to score but appeared to lose his footing at the vital moment and Winn gathered a tame effort.

After the hour mark, there was a bizarre stoppage as referee David Connolly stopped the play and nobody in the ground appeared to know why. An announcement on the PA system indicated that there may have been an encroachment on to the field of play from a spectator and the game resumed after a four minute stoppage.

Christopher’s cross from the right caused havoc in the Bray box with goalkeeper Moody unconvincingly punching clear but he had Omorehiomwan to thank as the centre-back blocked Conor Barry’s effort from close range.

With just one minute of normal time remaining, Bray snatched a winner as Joe Power’s deep cross looked to be under the control of Ludden but the left-back miscued his clearing header which allowed Jake Walker to retrieve the ball on the byline before squaring for substitute Ben Feeney to prod home from close range to the delight of the small band of travelling support.

In stoppage time, substitute Willie Armshaw curled a free-kick wide but Treaty fans were incensed when referee Connolly awarded a free-kick against substitute Success Edogun when he appeared to win a battle of strength with Omorehiomwan and was about to square the ball to an unmarked Armshaw but the centre-back was awarded a generous free-kick. That proved to be the last chance of a close encounter and it is Bray’s first victory against Treaty at the Markets Field.

The fixtures don’t get any easier for Treaty as they travel to Galway United at Eamon Deacy Park next Friday night while Bray Wanderers host Kerry FC.

Treaty United: Conor Winn, Steven Christopher, Ben O’Riordan, Anthony O’Donnell, Marc Ludden (c), Lee Devitt, Mark Walsh, Colin Conroy (Willie Armshaw 66) Dean George (Success Edogun 79), Conor Barry (Colin Kelly 90+1), Enda Curran

Bray Wanderers: Alex Moody, Max Murphy, Cole Omorehiomwan, Dane Massey, Len O’Sullivan, Guillermo Almirral (Luka Lovic 62), Conor Crowley (Eoin Farrell 88), Harry Groome (Joe Power 62), Jake Walker, Ger Shortt (Callum Thompson 82), Chris Lyons (Ben Feeney 82)