Bray Wanderers manager Paul Heffernan was grateful for a real “moment of magic” from midfielder Justin Ferizaj as the Seasiders eventually squeezed past a resolute Treaty United to book their place in a promotion/relegation decider against Waterford.
Bray, who finished third in the table during the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign, found the going tough at Athlone Town Stadium against a Treaty side who had edged into the promotion play-offs in fifth.
But Ferizaj’s brilliant overhead kick late on made the difference as Bray reached the promotion/relegation decider for the second year in a row.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport’s John Kenny after the 1-0 win over Limerick-based Treaty, Heffernan said his team had been pushed to the pin of their collars until Ferizaj made his mark.
“It was tight. It looked like extra time all day didn’t it,” he said, admitting that Treaty were very “dangerous from set plays” and that a draw and extra time would probably have been a “fair result”.
“They defended really well in fairness to them and they made it very hard for us. We hardly created a chance really.
“But it was a moment of magic from Justin to win it for us, so we’re delighted.”
While last season, that year’s Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup winners Drogheda United beat Bray in the promotion/relegation decider, this time Waterford will be the opposition hoping to avoid swapping decisions with the north Wicklow club.
“We’ll let the lads enjoy tonight and then we’ll be back in Tuesday and getting them ready for Waterford which is a Premier league team,” said Heffernan of a fixture that is set to take place at Tolka Park this Friday.
“We got to the final last year and got beaten so we’ll hope to go one better this year. We know it’ll be tough but our lads will be ready to go on Friday night.”
Sean Brennan in action against Richkov Boevi of Treaty United
Particularly impressive for Bray on Sunday was midfielder Sean Brennan, who is a recent arrival from rivals UCD.
“We signed Sean in the summer transfer window from UCD and I’ve had my eye on Sean for 18 months,” Heffernan said.
“I tried to sign him at the start of the season as well but he was finishing his degree up in the college so we couldn’t get him.
“He’s an excellent player and he’s everywhere. He’s a livewire, he creates chances, he keeps the ball for us and keeps things moving and ticking and I thought he was outstanding today.”
Brennan also spoke to RTÉ Sport and said his start to life in Bray had been “really enjoyable” as he played his part in helping them past his former club UCD in the play-off semi-finals before leading them beyond Treaty United and into the clutches of Waterford.
“I think we’re doing well the last few games. Obviously the two UCD games we were very good as well in and out of possession, so with the win today we can take the momentum into the next game against Waterford,” he said.
“Obviously they’re a Premier Division side. They’ve some really good players so it’ll be a tough game.”
The Premier Division promotion/relegation play-off between Bray Wanderers and Waterford FC will take place at Tolka Park on Friday, 7 November with a 7:45pm kick off.