Report: Bray Wanderers 0 - 1 Galway United

Galway United picked up only their second win of the season, and their first since 16 May, as they beat Bray Wanderers 1-0 at the Carlisle Grounds. Derek Glynn was the only difference between the sides and he got the solitary goal in the final minute of a tight encounter.

The first half was a scrappy affair with few moments of genuine quality. Despite plenty of fine passing in both midfields, both teams struggled to create any real chances.

Galway came had the closest thing to a chance on 11 minutes. A good link-up between Alan Murphy and debutant Jeff Kenna lead to Kenna crossing into the box. His cross was met by the head of Ollie Fenn but he couldn’t direct it on goal.

Two minutes later, Bray had their only chance of the first half. After good work down the right by Ger Rowe, he crossed the ball into the box. It eventually fell to Gavin Whelan on the edge of the area but his volley went well over.

Following a poor first half, a much livelier second half ensued. Bray had the first chance with just six minutes gone.

Aidan O’Keefe played the ball out to Paddy Kavanagh on the right wing. He ran forward and, despite pressure from two Galway defenders, he crossed the ball low into the box for Gareth Coughlan. The winger side-footed the ball but he steered his effort inches wide.

Three minutes later, Bray went closer. Following a smart flick through the Galway defence by Whelan, Kavanagh controlled inside the box. With only the keeper to beat, he shot but keeper Alvin Rouse got down to save.

In the 70th minute, a one-two between Ollie Fenn and Mark McCullough saw the ball fall to McCullough on the edge of the area. He controlled and ran to the goal-line before pulling the ball back. The Bray defence blocked and the rebound fell to McCullough but he fired over when well-placed.

Bray had a glorious chance when Kavanagh hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute. Following a good run by Derek Foran into the heart of the Galway defence, Paul Dunphy played the ball out wide to O’Keefe who crossed to Kavanagh at the far post. The winger met the ball with a diving header but it crashed back off the crossbar and Galway defence cleared the ball to safety.

In the 88th minute it was Galway's turn to hit the woodwork. Alan Murphy’s cross from the left was headed down in the box by captain John Fitzgerald. The ball landed at the feet of former Seagull Jay O’Shea but his shot struck the foot of the post.

Galway broke the deadlock in the 90th minute. After a strong run by Vinny Faherty down the right, he ran into the box and crossed for Derek Glynn at the near post. Despite a poor first touch, Glynn recovered to turn and finish past Gough.

Bray had one last chance when Kavanagh's sliding shot was blocked by Rouse but the game ended moments later to hand Galway a vital three points which temporarily lifts them off the bottom of the table.

Galway host Derry City in Terryland Park next Friday with renewed confidence. Bray, on the other hand, are without a goal in five games and they face a tough test when they travel to play Cobh Ramblers next Saturday.

Bray Wanderers: Alan Gough; Derek Pender, Kevin Doherty (Derek Foran 46), Ray Kenny, Gary Cronin; Gareth Coughlan (Paul Dunphy 71), Gavin Whelan, Mark Duggan, Paddy Kavanagh; Aidan O'Keefe, Ger Rowe.
Subs not used: Brian Kane, Daryl Robson, Andy Myler.

Bookings: Duggan (59).

Galway United: Alvin Rouse; Jeff Kenna (Seamus Conneely 79), John Lester, John Fitzgerald, Marc McCulloch; Jay O'Shea, Ciaran Foley (Cian McBrien 84), Alan Murphy, Ollie Fenn; Vinny Faherty (Ian Foster 90+3), Derek Glynn.
Subs not used: Gary Rogers, Jason Molloy.

Bookings: Foley (41), Lester (56), Fitzgerald (62), O‘Shea (69).

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

Attendance: 800 (estimate)

Man of the match: Derek Glynn (Galway United).