League Report: Bohemians 0 - 0 Bray Wanderers

It finished scoreless in Dalymount as Bohemians hosted Bray Wanderers in the SSE Airtricity League. It was a game of two halves, two very long halves. Both teams defended well from start to finish, neither team risked too many players going forward. Bohs had the best of the chances in the dying minutes, a Jason Byrne header could not find the net.

The first half was played by both sides at what could be described as a nervous pace. There were no real clear cut chances in the first half. The main event was an injury to Derek Pender who was taken off on a stretcher after only playing about ten minutes. Anto Murphy replaced him and impressed with his long throws but took a few minutes to adjust to his new position.

Bray looked at their best coming forward on the right wing. The Seasiders looked threatening at set pieces as well, even getting a couple of good crosses in from around the halfway line. Lee Stacey's only worry in the first half was punching the ball away from Hugh Douglas. A Ryan McEvoy free from the edge of the centre circle providing the danger.

Stephen McGuinness in the other goal was not really tested at all by Bohs during the opening 45. The Gypsies best chance was a Paddy Kavanagh shot from the edge of the area that was just wide of McGuinness' right post. Both teams looked happy just not to concede during the first half.

The second half really was much of the same, this time it was Anto Murphy who was down injured after about ten minutes. Bohs third right back of the night was Roberto Lopes, who was unable to be as effective there as he is from box to box in the middle of the pitch.

The only real chance of the night was in the 88^th minute. Adam Evans was set loose on the left wing to steal in behind the defence. He crossed the ball to Jason Byrne at the back post. Byrne's header though strong was too close to McGuinness in the Bray net.

Bohemians looked more interested in getting a winner, especially towards the end of the game. However it was Bray's refusal to concede that came out on top. They did have a go with some set pieces but rarely threatened in open play.

Next Friday, both sides are in action in the Second Round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup. Bohs host Firhouse Clover, who beat Glenville in the First Round last month, while Bray will welcome Limerick FC, who they beat 4-0 last month at the Carlisle Grounds. Both games are at 19:45 on Friday and replays will be played early the following week if required.

Bohemians: Lee Stacey; Derek Pender (Anto Murphy 13 (James O'Brien 58)), Stephen Best, Derek Prendegast, Lorcan Fitzgerald; Roberto Lopes; Patrick Kavanagh (Adam Evans 46), Keith Buckley, Kealan Dillon, Robbie Creevy; Jason Byrne.
Subs Not Used: Dean Mahon (gk), Marc Griffin, Keith Buckley, Dean Kelly.

Bookings: None.

Bray Wanderers: Stephen McGuinness; Hugh Douglas, Alan McNally, Adam Mitchell, Michael Barker; Adam Hanlon, Ryan McEvoy, David Cassidy, Peter McGlynn; Graham Kelly (Luke Gallagher 66); Chris Lyons (Emeka Onwubiko 89).
Subs Not Used: Brian Kane (gk), Jack Memery, Daniel O'Reilly, Peter Durrad, Gareth McDonagh.

Booked: Douglas (40), Kelly (55), McNally (72).

Referee: Paul McLoughlin

Attendance: 1,200 (estimate).

Extratime Man of the Match: Hugh Douglas (Bray Wanderers).