Bray Wanderers 1
Galway United 1
WITH ONE GAME of the SSE Airtricity League season remaining, there is now very little riding on the final round of fixtures after Galway United all but assured themselves of Premier Division survival.
The Tribesmen’s point in Bray now means they are three points ahead of 11th-placed Drogheda with a superior goal difference.
Gary Shanahan struck four minutes after John Sullivan’s opener to earn the visitors a valuable point at the Carlisle Grounds to ease the pressure on Tommy Dunne’s side ahead of Friday’s game against St Pat’s.
Of course, it’s not official just yet but all the variables are in their favour.
For Bray, their top-flight status had already been secured before tonight’s game. The Seagulls have had a remarkable season given the turmoil currently engulfing the club off the field.
Mick Cooke has done a stellar job since taking over the reins in July and can now look back on a job well done and begin preparations for next season.
Bray hit the front through Sullivan as the striker dispatched Ryan McEvoy’s header after 16 minutes. But their lead didn’t last long as Shanahan profited from a defensive mix-up between Peter Cherrie and Michael Barker to level proceedings.
Chances were at a premium thereafter, although Galway did go close to snatching all three points late on through Jake Keegan and then Ryan Connolly.
As it was, a point apiece and some breathing space for Galway as we enter the final week of the season.
Bray Wanderers: Peter Cherrie, Michael Barker, Niall Cooney, Hugh Douglas, Alan McNally, David Cassidy, Adam Hanlon, Graham Kelly, Ryan McEvoy, John Sullivan, David Scully.
Galway United: Conor Winn, Colm Horgan, Marc Ludden, Sam Oji, Paul Sinnott, Ryan Connolly, Conor Melody, David O’Leary, Gary Shanahan, Enda Curran, Jake Keegan.