Bray Wanderers hold narrow lead ahead of second leg
At the wind‑blown Carlisle Grounds on 24 October 2026, Bray Wanderers entered the second‑leg Play-off semi‑final with a slender advantage after Richard Ferizaj and Ben McCormack found the net, only to see Sean McGrath pull one back before Sean O’Connell was sent off in injury time.
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UCD hold advantage ahead of second leg
UCD ARE in the driving seat ahead of Tuesday’s return leg after Louis Dignam and Hugh Smith each scored in either half. The Students arrived on the confidence of a 5‑2 win away at Wexford, and Dignam’s spectacular heel‑flick volley was described as one of the season’s finest. Mikey McCullagh’s inswinging cross was glanced home by Smith, giving UCD a vital two‑goal lead. Play continues as both sides prepare for the decisive encounter.
Nick Elliott noted that Longford Town and Kerry face an uphill battle to overturn their ties. Longford made their first appearance at this stage since 2022, hoping to climb back to the top table for the first time since 2020. Aaron Doran missed an early chance, while Charles Akinrintayo looked dangerous down the left. Dara Kavanagh denied James Bailey with cat‑like reflexes, but the Town were undone when Smith’s second goal cemented UCD’s lead.
Rain‑soaked night sees Bray Wanderers claim edge over Kerry
Bray Wanderers cling to narrow lead at Carlisle Grounds
Richard Ferizaj and Ben McCormack gave Bray Wanderers a narrow lead, only for Sean McGrath to halve the advantage before O’Connell’s red card. The Seagulls had previously fallen at the final hurdle in 2024 against Drogheda United and last season against Waterford. Cian Bargary’s free‑kick rattled the post, Niall Brookwell’s volley sailed over, and Tyreik Sammy’s off‑side run was halted.
After the restart, McCormack’s link‑up with Ferizaj produced a header from the 17‑year‑old, and McCormack added a long‑range strike just ten minutes later. McGrath restored Kerry’s hopes with a well‑taken goal, but O’Connell’s straight red card for a reckless challenge in injury time left the visitors a man short.
In the Women’s Premier Division, Athlone Town secured a 4‑2 victory over Cork City. Golden Boot leader Dana Scheriff scored her 17th goal, the third of the match in the 26th minute, after Madie Gibson and Hannah Waesch had already put Athlone ahead.