Ronan Coughlan's goals have earned over 85% of Bray Wanderers' points tally. His single against Shamrock Rovers (1-0) and brace versus Derry City (2-1) helped the Seagulls accrue six of their seven points and it is nights like the victory over the
Ronan Coughlan's goals have earned over 85% of Bray Wanderers' points tally.
His single against Shamrock Rovers (1-0) and brace versus Derry City (2-1) helped the Seagulls accrue six of their seven points and it is nights like the victory over the Candystripes that makes the commute worthwhile for Coughlan.
The Limerick native - usually with Cork man Cory Galvin - travels up for training on Tuesday and Thursday nights; often staying in Bray on Thursdays in an apartment near the Carlisle Grounds. Something that occupies his mind often on those journeys up and down the M7 is trying to catch the sides above Bray.
"It's a great win and we're on the up now and eyeing up those teams above us", Coughlan grinned. "This has definitely moved us in the right direction and the challenge now is to push on.
"We're trying to pull as many other sides into this as we can and we will be looking at their results but mainly we need to focus on ourselves and keep doing the right things and getting points ourselves."
Unlike many, Coughlan is unlikely to let his double against Gerard Doherty impact him as he likes to remain level-headed. He is enjoying a stint back in his more familiar striking role in the injured Aaron Greene's absence and, like many, the ex-Huddersfield man hopes that enough goals will earn him a move back to England or beyond.
"I don't really get too high or low, I missed a few chances in previous games but I don't let it bother me - I just get on with it.
"Naturally, I used to play as a nine or 10 centrally but I'm just happy to play.
"Why not? That's everybody's ambition - to get as high as you can get. I'm fully focused on Bray at the moment and then we'll go from there."
Coughlan may be hoping that scouts will have their eye on him but he is a man constantly under scrutiny. Every touch, every run and every pass will be examined with a fine-tooth comb by his father, Liam, a budding photographer, who snaps away whenever the ball is in the vicinity of his son.
"To give him credit, he goes to all the games and take loads of pictures. He's almost a die hard!"
