Shelbourne 2 - 1 Bray Wanderers

Having lost 2-1 in Tolka Park to Bray Wanderers on Monday in the EA Sports Cup, Shelbourne got their revenge on Friday, taking all three points with a hard earned victory over Bray Wanderers in the Airtricity Premier Division.

The result sees the Dublin side move to fifth, whilst the Seagulls drop to 11th after Cork City demolished Monaghan United at Turner's Cross.

Shelbourne broke the deadlock in the tenth minute through striker Philly Hughes. Paddy Kavanagh picked out David Cassidy inside the penalty area. Cassidy controlled and set up Hughes, who powered the ball past the helpless Darren Quigley in the Bray goal.

Kavanagh was involved in Shels next chance, linking up with Brendan McGill and Kevin Dawson, however Dawson's final ball into the box failed to locate an attacker.
 

Bray had a chance to draw level when Dean Zambra’s free kick found Adam Hanlon but he failed to get his header on target. The equalising goal did arrive ten minutes later. Defender Dane Massey found Jason Byrne down the left, and the striker cut back inside Ian Ryan before placing the ball low past Shels keeper Paul Skinner.

Shortly before the break, Kieran Marty Waters had an opportunity to give the visitors the lead. Goalscorer Byrne's through ball was crucially intercepted by Brian Shortall, recovering in time to prevent a chance from forming.

Shelbourne almost regained the lead 12 minutes into the second half. Kavanagh’s corner found Ian Ryan but his header was cleared off the line by Zambra.

On the hour mark, Wanderers were awarded a penalty after Marty Waters was fouled by Ian Ryan in the box. Referee Anthony Buttimer pointed to the spot but Jason Byrne’s penalty was brilliant saved as Paul Skinner touched the ball onto the post and clear.

Shels grabbed the winning goal with just eight minutes remaining. Substitute Anto Murphy chipped the ball to Brian Shortall down the right, and the full-back beat the defender before crossing for the unmarked Philip Gorman to head past Quigley from six-yards.

Bray Wanderers may have felt that a draw would have been a fair result but Shels attacking prowess probably brought the game in their favour. Bray suffer their fifth defeat of the season while Shels bring their points tally to 12.

Shelbourne: Paul Skinner; Brian Shortall, Stephen Paisley, Ian Ryan, Sean Byrne; Paddy Kavanagh (Philip Gorman 63), Glenn Cronin, Kevin Dawson, Brendan McGill (Anto Murphy 81), David Cassidy (Conan Byrne 92); Philip Hughes.
Subs not used: Gareth Matthews, Andy Boyle, Barry Clancy, Dean Delany.

Booked: S Byrne (49)

Bray Wanderers: Darren Quigley; David Webster, Danny O’Connor, Pierce Sweeney, Dane Massey (Jonathan Kelty 87); Adam Hanlon, Dean Zambra, John Mulroy, Sean Houston, Kieran Marty Waters (Anthony Bolger 80); Jason Byrne (Kevin Knight 77).
Subs not used: Daire Doyle, Graham Kelly, Stephen Last, Brian Kane.

Booked: Hanlon (93).

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

Official Attendance: 1,008

Man of the Match: Brian Shortall (Shelbourne) - defended brilliantly all night and made the important run and cross for the winning goal.