0 v 0 
Bray WanderersDetails
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 June 2021 | 7:45 pm | LOI Men's First Division | 2021 |
Match Report
Athlone fail to take advantage of 10-men Seagulls
Athlone shared the spoils with Bray Wanderers in Lissywollen tonight after neither side managed to find the back of the net over the course of 90 minutes.
Bray started the better team and nearly scored 11 minutes in, when Athlone goalkeeper Michael Schlingermann came to punch away a corner but missed the ball. The ball fell to Joe Doyle just in front of the Athlone goal, who had two efforts both blocked by Jamie Hollywood. Schlingermann must’ve felt relieved after that one.
The first card of the game came just under ten minutes later when David Brookes was booked for a late challenge on Ryan Graydon, who along with Brandon Kavanagh caused Athlone some danger in the opening half. Bray couldn’t get anything from the ensuing set piece, however.
The major talking point came in the 35th minute when the aforementioned Graydon was sent off for an off the ball incident with Athlone’s Dylan Hand. It seemed the stem from the previous passage of play when there was mutual shirt grabbing whilst Hand shepherded the ball out of play from the looming Graydon. A frustrated Graydon then kicked Hand and whilst the nature of the kick can be judged, the ref deemed it a violent off the ball incident and sent Graydon straight off.
Athlone then put the pressure on for the rest of the half, their prime chance coming from a Kurtis Byrne strike from just outside the area that seemed destined for the roof of the net. Brian Maher met his effort with a fine fingertip save however. Bray must’ve felt relieved to get in for the half and regroup.
For the rest of the game Athlone threatened but never had a clear cut chance. Adam Wixted on the right wing impressed in particular. Bray will have to give thanks to Conor Clifford, who along with keeper Brian Maher, defended brilliantly. Man of the match does however go to Athlone defender Dylan Hand, who seemed to snuff out every Bray attack that came his way.
For Athlone, its glass half full glass half empty. Adrian Carberry’s men have stopped a losing streak, but couldn’t take advantage of the opposition having ten men for most of the game.
For Gary Cronin and Bray it’s hard to feel down about that one. They played well for a team with ten men and managed to get a draw on the road. They have every reason to believe that if Graydon stayed on they could’ve won the game.
A busy transfer window may be in store for Athlone to help with their issues up front.
Timeline
Past Meetings
|
(Series 4)
1 - 2LOI Men's First Division
Carlisle Grounds Bray Wanderers v Athlone Town |
|
(Series 18)
0 - 1LOI Men's First Division
Athlone Town Stadium Athlone Town v Bray Wanderers |
|
(Series 9)
3 - 1LOI Men's First Division
Carlisle Grounds Bray Wanderers v Athlone Town |
1 - 1LOI Men's Premier Division
Athlone Town Stadium Athlone Town AFC v Bray Wanderers FC |
1 - 1LOI Men's Premier Division
Carlisle Grounds Bray Wanderers FC v Athlone Town AFC |
7:45 pmLOI Men's Premier Division
Athlone Town Stadium Athlone Town AFC v Bray Wanderers FC |
Ground
| Athlone Town Stadium |
|---|
| Athlone Town Stadium, Old Rail Trail, Garrycastle, Athlone East Rural Electoral Division, The Municipal District of Athlone — Moate, County Westmeath, Leinster, N37 N1F2, Ireland |
Full time here in Athlone and it's 0-0. Bray started well but a red card for Ryan Graydon changed the momentum. Athlone failed to take advantage however. Athlone do however manage to end a three game losing streak.
Four minutes of injury time.
Adam Wixted tries one from long range but it flies over. Athlone really vamping up the pressure here.
Great chance for Doona but his effort is blocked. Five minutes for either side to find a hero.
Duffy takes his place.
Brandon McCann leaves the game.
Richie O'Farrell takes his place.
Lovic makes way.
Bray have reverted to two up top after the sub. Gary Shaw and Joe Doyle leading the line.
With Gary Shaw taking his place.
Brandon Kavanagh makes way.
Tristan Noack Hofmann takes his place.
A hamstring injury forces Delaney off.
At the hour mark here and the red card is clearly affecting Bray, as Athlone have controlled this half. Have yet to have a clear cut chance though. Athlone must feel they have to take full advantage of the fact Bray have only ten men.
Good spell here from Athlone. Kurtis Byrne had a header in a decent position, but couldn't get under it. Adam Wixted and Brandon McCann also looking dangerous
Athlone get us underway for the second half.
Half time here in Lissywollen and we've yet to see a goal. Bray could've scored after 11 minutes after Joe Doyle had two attempts mere feet out from the Athlone goal, but Jamie Hollywood did well to block both efforts. David Brookes went into the book on twenty minutes for a foul on Graydon, who himself was sent off on 35 minutes after lashing out on Dylan Hand. Bray had been the better team up until then, but the tide started to change. Kurtis Byrne saw a monster effort brilliantly saved by Brian Maher, the last real chance of the half. Scott Delaney and Dylan Hand have impressed at the back for Athlone, while Conor Clifford of Bray has defended well too. The game is there for the taking for either side in the second half.
A great strike from Kurtis Byrne is tipped over by Brian Maher, an absolute wonder save. Tide has definitely changed since the Graydon red card.
Huge moment here as Ryan Graydon is given a straight red card. Was involved in a tussle with Dylan Hand, before kicking out at him after the ball went dead. Referee didn't even think twice.
Free kick on the edge of the area for Bray. Barnett puts it over however.
Brookes goes into the book. Late challenge on Graydon which set up a dangerous free for Bray, which they couldn't take advantage of.
Early chance for Bray from a corner when Schlingermann came to claim the ball and missed. This was followed by a ricochet on the line, which Athlone dealt with.
Conor Clifford had been grounded with an injury. Thankfully able to carry on.
Ryan Graydon and Brandon Kavanagh causing problems early. Athlone will need to keep the Bray wingers in check.
We are underway. Wanderers get us started.
Kickoff is imminent here...
Here we go. Athlone lineups are in.
Still awaiting the Athlone Town lineups...
Alright evening in the heart of Ireland for this one. Overcast and a bit humid but low enough winds, with a low chance of rain. Conditions shouldn't affect the proceedings tonight at all.
Bray lineups out now.
Team news not out yet but according to Bray on Twitter we can expect their team soon...
Hello and welcome to finalwhistle.ie for tonight's coverage of Athlone Town vs Bray Wanderers in the first division from Athlone Town Stadium in Lissywollen tonight, I'm Seán Comber and I'll be taking you through tonight's action.