Soccer

Stunning volley from Russell helps Sligo leapfrog over Bray

Baraclough happy to avoid hangover from Setanta Cup success

Sligo’s John Russell: his second-half goal killed off Bray’s challenge. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/INPHO/Presseye.
Mon May 19 2014 - 01:00

Sligo Rovers 3 Bray Wanderers 0

John Russell scored a stunning volley to help Sligo Rovers leapfrog Bray Wanderers in the league on Saturday.

Russell fired home first time from the edge of the area 10 minutes into the second half to kill off the challenge of the impressive visitors.

Paul O'Conor's second goal in two games saw the home side take the lead on 19 minutes, and substitute Eric Odhiambo wrapped up the win with three minutes left.

Rovers boss Ian Baraclough was happy to avoid any hangover from last weekend's Setanta Cup success.

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“It was a good three points with a clean sheet as well. I don’t think it was as easy as the scoreline might suggest. I think both teams had chances in a game that was far too open for my liking.

“Bray were sharp, and countered very quickly and caused us one or two problems.

“Maybe the adrenaline rush of the cup final affected us a little bit . . . But we did enough.”

Bray boss Alan Mathews also felt the scoreline was harsh on his side but was pleased with their display.

“First half in particular we had a number of chances which we didn’t take and the difference over the night was that Sligo were ruthless in front of goal. The second was a wonder goal and that kind of knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit.”


SLIGO ROVERS: Rogers, Conneely, Henderson, McMillan, Gaynor, Cawley, O'Conor, Russell, Greene (Odhiambo, 75 mins), Ledwith (Donelon, 90 mins), North (Maguire, 85 mins).

BRAY WANDERERS: McGuinness, Webster, D O'Connor, Zambra, McGlynn, Cassidy, G Kelly (S Byrne, 67 mins), Curran, O'Neill (Akinade, 71 mins), Scully, Hanlon (Browne, 88 mins).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).