Bray boss Cronin delighted with opening day victory at Cabo

Bray Wanderers finally ended their long-wait for an away league win but boss Gary Cronin is not getting carried away after their 3-0 East Coast derby First Division success over Cabinteely at Stradbrook on Friday.

“It was a clean sheet and three goals; I’d suppose you’d take a 3-0 win in any game” he declared.

“We were happy with the victory. There’re certain things we’re going to work on. I thought the first goal was crucial – if Cabinteely had got it, it would have been difficult. But it was good for us to get the second goal so quickly after the first to settle us right down.”

He continued: “The first half went in a way we all expected. It was exciting, first league game of the season. Nil all at half time was a fair reflection. 

"I thought our second half performance, particularly when we got the goals and managed the game, was quite professional. I was happy with that.”

The result in front of the large crowd ended 17 successive away league losses for the Wicklow side – albeit those were in the Premier Division.

Dylan McGlade picked up were he left off with Longford Town last season with a brace. Although Cronin had high praise for the winger, he was happy with Bray’s overall work ethic.

“I never really zoom in on one player. Dylan has his job to do. I was really impressed with him off the ball, particularly in the second half. A goal tends to change people’s demeanour on the pitch. 

"He was communicating off the ball and making sure lads were in good areas on the pitch. That’s part of his game that he is going to improve. He improved really well over pre-season.”

Wanderers handed nine debuts – all outfield players – and the Seagulls manager was delighted how they expressed themselves.

“Paul Keegan, Seán Heaney and Killian Cantwell have played a lot of Premier Division football. We kept a clean sheet and Gabriel Sava’s handling was excellent. That’s the experience we want.”