| Late Mansaram strike proves the winner in Bray |
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| Tuesday, 18 July 2006 | |
 Darran Mansaram proved the hero for the second successive match scoring in the eighty seventh minute to give Rovers a deserved two one win over Bray Wanderers in the Eircom League Premier Division.
Report By: Liam Ó Maoldhomhnaigh, courtesy of The Sligo Weekender Eircom League Premier Division Bray Wanderers 1, Sligo Rovers 2 Those Sligo Rovers fans who travelled to Bray’s Carlisle Grounds on Tuesday evening last, having missed Darren Mansaram’s late show in Waterford the previous Friday – the striker’s 89th minute headed goal gave Sean Connor’s side a precious 2-1 away win – were treated to a glorious reprise. Mansaram again struck wonderfully at the death, albeit slightly earlier, as his 87th minute goal handed Rovers a 2-1 victory over Bray Wanderers on a balmy evening in the County Wicklow seaside resort. The way in which this game ended, however cruel on a spirited Bray side who gained parity when Romanian Andrei Franceso Georgescu’s 83rd minute equaliser cancelled out Adam Hughes’ 58th minute opener, reflected Rovers’ growing ability to snare points. After all, this result was Rovers’ sixth win from their last seven eircom League Premier Division games and their seventh win in all competitions since drawing 0-0 with Drogheda United at The Showgrounds on Saturday, May 13. Considering their recent form, as well as the consistency of their pivotal players, a win seemed inevitable against a side that, prior to the visit of the Bit O’Red, had only managed two wins from 15 Premier Division games. Since breaking into the top five, which is the culmination of several notable results, including a home thrashing of Derry City, last season’s Premier Division runners-up, and an away defeat of Bohemians, Rovers’ players have responded to the task with gusto. There were a number of noteworthy performers in the Carlisle Grounds. Rovers’ competitive midfielder Chris Turner, used as a left-back against the now defunct Dublin City and Waterford United in the absence of Keith Foy, was back in his regular central midfield slot. He thrived, too. Known for his zestful tackling and forward bursts, the Northern Ireland U-19 captain also showed his passing capabilities. Left-sided midfielder Fahrudin Kuduzovic was consistently good, from his shot on target in the eighth minute to a clever 79th minute chip that set up the industrious Matthew Judge for a lob that was just over Bray net-minder Chris O’Connor’s crossbar.Popular full-back Keith ‘Foyzer’ Foy, whose return to the side after injury was celebrated by a pocket of away fans who unleashed a banner which declared ‘Foyzer for Ireland’ (a tricolour nearby bore the legend ‘[Gareth] Gorman is God’), reflected his influence by helping to create both goals. The Dubliner’s persistence in the 58th minute – he exploited costly dithering by home defenders Wesley Charles, once of Rovers, and Stephen Gifford in their own penalty area – to send the ball skimming across the six-yards box. Adam Hughes, who improved in the second-half after a quiet opening period, applied the decisive touch at the back post. The Australian later could have scored twice more. Foy then instigated the crisp move – Matthew Judge’s fine touch was just as important – which led to Mansaram’s winner. Mansaram, who has now scored five times in the Premier Division, was again electric. Although he can sometimes infuriate in one-on-one situations, his coolness in front of goal, after a smooth glide into the Bray penalty area, was invaluable. The variety of his goals to date, including headers and booming volleys, has ensured that the absence of leading scorer Paul McTiernan has been absorbed. This game also revealed the strength of Rovers’ bench. Goalkeeper John O’Hara’s 67th minute injury meant his understudy, Richard Brush, made his first Premier Division appearance of the campaign. Brush proved adequate. His immediate involvement was a first-rate reaction save that kept out Colin da Silva Vint’s goalbound header. He brought a bit of luck with him too, because Robbie Doyle’s corner, from the same incident, hit the upright. Bray had their moments, and, as is the trend of all eircom League fixtures, several opportunities to score. Strikers Robbie Doyle and Andrei Franceso Georgescu, the home side’s goalscorer, were lively. The losers’ towering centre-back, Wesley Charles, a cult figure during his spell at The Showgrounds, was solid although eventually outclassed by the vibrant pairing of Mansaram and Judge, who was unfortunate not to score with a well-struck 16th minute effort. Rovers’ progress continues unabated. However dramatic this win seemed, it was fully merited. Match Stats Bray Wanderers: Chris O’Connor, Colm Tresson, Stephen Gifford (Colin da Silva Vint 67), Wesley Charles, Brian McGovern, Stephen Fox, Andrei Franceso Georgescu, Philip Keogh (Kieran O’Brien 80), Robbie Doyle, Paul Caffrey, William Tyrell (David Tyrell 89) Subs not used: Michael Roche, Ciaran Ryan Sligo Rovers: John O’Hara (Richard Brush 69), Gavin Peers, Keith Foy, Michael McNamara (c), Liam Burns, Conor O’Grady, Adam Hughes, Fahrudin Kuduzovic, Darren Mansaram, Chris Turner, Matthew Judge (Harpal Singh 90) Subs not used: Jason McCartney, Gary Curran, Jamie McKenzie Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin) Results Note: Game played on Tuesday, July 18. eircom League Premier Division Carlisle Grounds: Bray Wanderers 1 (Andrei Franceso Georgescu 83), Sligo Rovers 2 (Adam Hughes 58, Darren Mansaram 87) |
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