Bray Wanderers 3-1 UCD

Shane O’Neill became the first Bray play to register goals in double figures since 2005 as Wanderers booked their place in the final of the Leinster Senior Cup.

The young striker took his tally to 11 in all competitions with a
hat-trick at the Carlisle Grounds.

It sets up a final in ten years in the revamped competition against
First Division Shelbourne.

The Seagulls had lost their three Airtricity League Premier Division
league games to the Students, conceding 11 goals and failing to find the net.

But that all changed in the 22nd minute.

Danny O’Connor headed Daire Doyle’s free goal-wards and John Mulroy challenged Billy Brennan in the air. He turned swiftly to set up O’Neill who drilled to the net from ten-yards despite two defenders on the line.

They doubled that cushion just six minutes later.

From Jake Kelly’s lofted ball forward, former FAI schools player of
the year Mulroy powered a header towards the unmarked O’Neill who chested the ball down and lashed a 12-yard half volley past Brennan.

But the College - who made eight changes from their line-up who
defeated the Wicklow club 4-0 last Friday at the Bowl - reduced their deficit in the 64th minute.

Paul Corry’s corner was only cleared to the waiting Greg Bolger in the left side of the box. His scuffed shot went through a crowded penalty area and the unmarked Robbie Creevy forced the ball in form close range.

But that joy was short-lived as O’Neill completed his first
senior treble in the 69th minute.

Found along the left flank by substitute Robbie Doyle, the 21-year-old angled a fierce left footed shot beyond Brennan to the far corner of the net.

Bray Wanderers: 1 Brian Kane; 2 Daire Doyle, 4 Adam Mitchell, 5 Dave Webster, 3 Jake Kelly; 7 James Kavanagh (16 Dane Massey half time), 6 Danny O’Connor, 8 Graham Kelly, 11 Ian Tuohy; 9 Shane O’Neill (18 Shane O’Connor 89 mins), 10 John Mulroy (19 Robbie Doyle 61 mins).

Subs not used: 12 Chris Shields, 14 Dean Zambra, 15 Nicky Byrne, 18 Shane O’Connor.

UCD: 1 Billy Brennan; 2 Michael Kelly, 4 Andy Boyle, 5 Michael Leahy, 3 Ciaran Nangle; 8 Robbie Creevy, 7 Paul Corry (17 Ciaran Kilduff 78 mins), 6 Greg Bolger; 10 Chris Mulhall, 9 Graham Rusk, 11 Stephen Roche (13 Gareth Matthews 78 mins).

Subs not used: 12 Evan McMillan, 14 Paul O’Conor, 15 Keith Ward, 16 Ger Barron, 18 Dwayne Wilson.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).