Bray Wanderers ended their First Division regular season with a 2-0 defeat away to Finn Harps on Friday night. The loss at Finn Park means the Seagulls finish second in the table on 54 points, 20 behind champions Cork City, and now turn their focus to the playoffs. Their final league position was secured with a record of 15 wins, nine draws and 11 losses from their 35 matches.
Finn Harps took the lead after just five minutes through A. McLaughlin. Bray made a triple substitution just before the hour mark, bringing on P. Akinyem, Z. Reddy and F. O'Snodaigh, but could not find an equaliser. The hosts sealed the win in the 72nd minute when substitute Benny found the net.
O. Brogan of Finn Harps was shown a yellow card in the second half. Bray's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five league games. This sequence included the loss to Finn Harps on Friday 16 October, a 2-2 draw with Wexford on Friday 9 October, a 1-4 home defeat to Cobh Ramblers on Friday 2 October, and victories over UCD and Treaty United in late September. The team's top scorer this season has been M. Murphy with eight goals.
With the regular season concluded, Bray Wanderers have recorded 15 wins, nine draws and 11 losses from their 35 matches. They scored 67 goals and conceded 51 for a positive goal difference of 16. The team will now prepare for their First Division playoff fixture, the details of which are yet to be confirmed.
Finn Harps manager Patrick McEleney said he is excited for the club's Special General Meeting on Monday. The meeting seeks to approve Freddy Gonzalez as the new owner. The update follows Harps' 2-0 win over Bray Wanderers on Friday, a result which leaves Bray third in the First Division on 54 points. Their record now stands at 15 wins, nine draws and 12 losses from 36 games.
After Finn Harps' 2-0 win over Bray Wanderers, manager Patrick McEleney praised his young squad. He hailed senior player of the year Gavin McAteer as "majestic". McEleney told reporters, "I would absolutely love to work with him for as long as I possibly can." The manager, who will be retained under new owner Freddy Gonzalez, also lauded young player of the year Josh Cullen. Bray Wanderers, third in the First Division with 54 points, now prepare for the playoffs.
