O’Connor strikes to keep Hoops’ Euro hopes alive
Shamrock Rovers………………………………………… 1
Bray Wanderers…………………………………………… 0
Bray Wanderers will have to wait another week before ensuring their Premier Division survival, after Sean O’Connor’s 41st-minute goal helped Shamrock Rovers take all three points in Tallaght last night.
The Seagulls almost took a shock lead just 30 seconds into the contest when David Cassidy’s header was deflected into the side-netting but, after saving comfortably from Dean Kelly, Wanderers shotstopper Stephen McGuinness produced a spectacular fingertip save to deny Ciaran Kilduff on the stroke of 20 minutes.
Bray showed glimpses of promise on the break through Cassidy and lone front man Jake Kelly, but their stern resistance was finally broken by the hosts four minutes before the break.
Ciaran Kilduff was the supplier and, after taking control of the Kildare native’s neat pass, O’Connor brilliantly curled a left-footed shot beyond the reach of McGuinness.
Pat Fenlon’s side carried the momentum 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.
The play was held up just past the hour mark because of an injury to Bray winger Adam Hanlon but, when the action resumed, Rovers were eager to place the tie beyond doubt.
A magnificent McGuinness kept Bray in contention with a succession of saves from Simon Madden, Kilduff and Sheppard, but even though Waters hit the bottom of the post against his former club, Rovers nevertheless triumphed, keepng their European quest 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).