Main pic: Gavin McAteer holds off the challenge of a Bray player. Pic: North West NewsPix.
Finn Harps surrendered a two-goal lead on Bank Holiday Monday, conceding in the final seconds to draw 2-2 with Bray Wanderers at Finn Park.
Finn Harps 2
Bray Wanderers 2
By Stuart Connolly at Finn Park
Cian Curtis scored a dramatic equalizer eight minutes into injury time, completing Bray’s comeback after Tony McNamee’s goal gave Finn Harps the lead. It was McNamee’s third in four games.
An own goal from Jamie Duggan extended Harps’ advantage, while Paul Murphy pulled one back for Bray Wanderers with 20 minutes remaining.
The draw moves Kevin McHugh’s side up to seventh place in the First Division table.
Finn Harps showed early promise, but Tony McNamee’s initial crosses lacked precision.
In the eighth minute, Hans Mpongo twice outmaneuvered Jamie Duggan, but his shot was cleared off the line by Max Murphy after Jimmy Corcoran parried the initial effort.
Lorenzo Barbosa, making his debut after signing earlier in July, provided the assist for the opening goal in the tenth minute. His long clearance caused confusion in the Bray defense, allowing McNamee to capitalize and lob the stranded Corcoran.
Finn Harps largely contained Bray’s attacks, effectively dealing with corners delivered by Max Murphy.
As the first half progressed, Bray began to gain a foothold. Kieran Cooney made a crucial block to deny Rhys Bartley a clear shot on goal around the half-hour mark.
Cian Doyle had the last opportunity of the first half, but his shot was well off target.
Cian Curtis tested Barbosa early in the second half with a low strike, but the Harps keeper was equal to it.
Harps doubled their advantage just under ten minutes into the second half. Joel Bradley-Walsh’s set-piece from the halfway line was intended for Mpongo, but Duggan inadvertently headed it past his own goalkeeper.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Curtis again challenged Barbosa, who again saved well. However, he could do little about the resulting corner.
Max Murphy’s cross from the right was met by Paul Murphy, who powered a header into the net.
Moments later, Bray Wanderers almost equalized, but Barbosa made a strong one-handed save to deny Guillermo Almirall.
In the closing stages, Bray Wanderers mounted relentless pressure. After several missed chances, Bartley struck the woodwork.
The announcement of six minutes of added time drew groans from the home crowd.
Deep into stoppage time, Bray Wanderers found their equalizer.
A corner from the right was flicked in by Cian Curtis at the near post, finding the bottom corner despite Barbosa’s efforts.
Finn Harps: Lorenzo Barbosa; Josh Cullen, Conor Tourish, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Kieran Cooney; Max Hutchison, Tony McNamee, Gavin McAteer(Oran Brogan 82), Idir Zerrouk, Gradi Lomboto; Hans Mpongo(Gavin Gilmore 75).
Bray Wanderers: Jimmy Corcoran; Max Murphy, Killian Cantwell, Jamie Duggan(Cristiano Bramley 84), Paul Murphy; Rhys Bartley, Sean Brennan, Cian Doyle(Guillermo Almirall 63), Justin Ferizaj(Richie Ferizaj 63); Billy O’Neill(Rhys Knight 84), Cian Curtis.
Referee: Mark Lynch
Finn Harps throw away another valuable two points was last modified: August 4th, 2025 by
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