Advertisement
Former Shelbourne manager Alan Mathews claimed his first win as Bray boss. Donall Farmer/INPHO
home comforts

Bray slay Sligo at Carlisle Grounds as Byrne proves the hero

Alan Mathews pocketed his first triumph as Wanderers boss.

Bray Wanderers 1-0 Sligo Rovers

ALAN MATHEWS COLLECTED his first victory as Bray Wanderers manager as the hosts stunned Sligo Rovers with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Carlisle Grounds.

In a game devoid of any real quality, Ciaran Byrne’s opportunistic strike moments after the interval proved to be the difference between the sides in an otherwise tight affair. The visitors had the majority of possession but lacked cohesion and composure in front of goal as they were left to rue several missed opportunities.

Ian Baraclough’s men started the brighter and looked to stamp their authority on proceedings from the outset but the returning Danny North and Eric Odhiambo saw efforts well saved by Shane Redmond in the Bray goal.

That was as good as it got for the Bit O’Red as the hosts grew into proceedings as the half wore on. Jake Kelly was central to their attacking threat as proved to be a constant thorn in the side. His effort on 21 minutes was tame but after the break, his pinpoint cross teed up Byrne for what proved to be the winner.

Sligo rallied late on but despite forcing Bray back into their own half for the final quarter, it was too little too late as they slipped to a disappointing defeat.

BRAY WANDERERS: Redmond, Zambra, Webster (c), Mitchell (Cooney, 27), Maloney, McGill, Hanlon, S.Byrne (Curran, 87), G.Kelly, J.Kelly, C.Byrne (Scully, 64).

Substitutes: McGuinness, McGlynn, Nolan, O’Neill.

SLIGO ROVERS: Rogers, Keane, McMillan, Spillane, Ledwith (Greene, 76), Russell (Connelly, 37), Cawley (Djilai, 63), O’Conor, Gaynor, Odhiambo, North.

Substitutes: Brush, Maguire, Cretaro, Dykes.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Injury-time winner for Pat’s as Fahey limps off injured

Dundalk up and running after Byrne snatches victory against Limerick