League Report: Galway United 0 - 2 Bray Wanderers

Check out the Galway United 0 - 2 Bray Wanderers Photo Gallery by Jimmy McElroy

Bray Wanderers’ massive improvement under new boss Harry Kenny continued when the Wicklow side won away at Galway United.  Despite dominating possession, the Eamonn Deacy Park side’s slide in the opposite direction continued with another sub-par showing in front of goal.

Bray went ahead in the 44th minute when Dylan Connolly pounced in the box to score.

After the break, Bray’s resolute defensive display continued with Tim Clancy and skipper Conor Kenna particularly prominent.

A second-best Galway eleven did create some chances, but Bray held on to secure a first away victory of the season. Substitute Chris Lyons’ goal two minutes from full-time clinched the three points.

Galway opened brightly and created carved a two meaningful opportunities as they sought to react to Tommy Dunne’s words of criticism during the week.

Left back Stephen Walsh drove forward as early as the second minute and blasted a shot wide.  That was quickly followed by a Marc Ludden sixth minute headed effort following Colm Horgan’s deep cross.  Peter Cherrie was beaten but the ball thudded back into play off a post.

For Bray a John Sullivan drive forced a smart save from goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom, who was making his Galway debut.

Kevin Devaney flashed a 24th minute effort wide from an acute angle following a deft Vinny Faherty header.  Faherty constantly took up good positions for the Westerners but Galway couldn’t capitalise.

Kevin Devaney and skipper Ryan Connolly combined in a good Galway move in the 33^rd minute.  They set-up Faherty, who drew a smart reflex save from Peter Cherrie.

On the stroke of half-time and against the run of play, Galway were stunned by Dylan Connolly.  Connolly ruthlessly punished a defensive error by Stephen Folan to shoot Bray ahead.

A Devaney free-kick was met by a Walsh header on 57 minutes, but Cherrie made a straightforward save.  Another Faherty effort was blocked at the expense of a corner in the 75th minute.

With time running out and with Galway chasing the equaliser, Gareth McDonagh and Lyons combined in a rare foray forward for the Seagulls, with the ex Sligo Rovers striker making the game safe – the Wanderers’ eighth game in a row without defeat.

The win propels Bray ahead of Finn Harps in the standings.  Bray are now five points clear of Wexford Youths as their relegation fears lessen.

Galway United: Sam Ramsbottom; Colm Horgan, Armin Aganovic, Stephen Folan, Stephen Walsh; Kevin Devaney (Gary Shanahan 74), Paul Sinnott, Alex Byrne (Jose Garcia 87), Marc Ludden; Ryan Connolly; Vinny Faherty.

Yellow cards: Marc Ludden (23), Stephen Folan (67)

Bray Wanderers: Peter Cherrie; Hugh Douglas, Conor Kenna, Tim Clancy, Alan Kehoe; John Sullivan; Jason Marks, Mark Salmon, Karl Moore, Dylan Connolly (Gareth McDonagh 82); Ger Pender (Chris Lyons 62).

Yellow cards: Mark Salmon (90)

Referee: James McKell (Tipperary)

Man of the Match: Tim Clancy (Bray Wanderers)