O’Connor edges Hoops past Bray
Shamrock Rovers……………………………………… 1
Bray Wanderers…………………………………………. 0
By Daire Walsh
Bray Wanderers will have to wait another week before ensuring their Premier Division survival, after Sean O’Connor 41st-minute goal earned Shamrock Rovers the points at Tallaght Stadium last night.
David Cassidy and Rovers stiker Dean Kelly both went close for their respective sides early on, before Wanderers keeper Stephen McGuinness produced a spectacular fingertip save to deny Ciaran Kilduff on 20 minutes.
The deadlock was finally broken four minutes before the break as O’Connor brilliantly curled a left-footed shot beyond the reach of the helpless McGuinness.
Pat Fenlon’s side carried the momentum from this goal into the second period, and from an inch-perfect Luke Byrne ball on 58 minutes, Kilduff once again found his path to goal blocked by McGuinness.
Rovers were eager to place the tie beyond doubt, and even though the magnificent McGuinness pulled off a succession of saves, the hosts nevertheless emerged with a satisfactory win to keep their quest for a European spot very much alive.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Hyland; Madden, Cornwall, Kenna, Byrne; O’Connor (Waters 70), Robinson, Brennan, McCabe; Kilduff, Kelly (Sheppard 70).
BRAY WANDERERS: McGuinness; McGill, Mitchell, Barker, Maloney; Scully (McDonagh 79), G Kelly, Zambra, Hanlon (Hughes 65); Cassidy; J Kelly.
Referee: R Harvey (Dublin).