Bohemians 2 - 1 Bray Wanderers

A eleventh league win in a row for Bohemians edges them three points closer to a tenth league title. The league leaders beat Bray Wanderers 2-1 at Dalymount Park to maintain their nineteen point lead over St. Patrick's Athletic.

Despite all the pre-match expectations, it was the visitors who controlled the opening fifteen minutes, and it was against the run of play when Bohs took the lead in the 18th minute through Glen Crowe. Brian Murphy's clearance from the Bohs box went deep into the Bray half. Captain Ray Kenny's backward header was too short and Crowe pounced on the ball before coolly slotting the ball past Alan Gough to make it 1-0.

Three minutes later, Mindaugas Kalonas' ball from the halfway line went over the Bray defence and sub Jason Byrne ran in behind to collect the ball. Unfortunately, his shot was straight at the advancing Gough. Byrne retrieved the ball and back-heeled it to Crowe. Crowe controlled before firing at goal but Gough got back in time to turn the shot round the post.

In the 24th minute, Gavin Whelan's throw for Bray on the right landed in the path of Alan Cawley and the returning midfielder struck a half-volley from 30-yards that was comfortably saved by Brian Murphy. Bohs assumed control of the game after that. In the 38th minute, Byrne had two more chances. Firstly, a volley was blocked inside the box. The ball fell to Gary Deegan who lay the ball back into the path of Byrne, who's side-footed effort was saved by Gough.

The Gypsies doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. Like the first goal, Bohs pounced on a lack of concentration in the Bray defence. Jason Byrne's corner from the left swung into the box. Keeper Gough failed to reach it and the unmarked Jason McGuiness headed the ball into the top corner.

The second half did not create as many chances as Bohs seemed to drop a gear now that they led 2-0. It was up to Bray to get back into the game. Only two minutes after the restart, Robson played the ball to Patrick Kavanagh. The winger ran at Mark Rossiter before cutting inside and going for goal. His effort had no power, however, and Murphy saved comfortably.

Bray did pull themselves back into the game on the hour mark. Cawley's free from the right landed at the far post. Bohs failed to clear and Phillip Knight managed to direct the ball across goal. Ray Kenny ran in to nudge the ball over the line.

The contest ended in the 80th minute when Bray were reduced to ten men. Daryl Robson was given a second yellow card for handball. From the resulting free-kick, Jason Byrne curled an effort inches wide.

In the end, Bohemians held on for another three points and they'll be able to clinch the title if they beat Drogheda United at United Park next week. Bray Wanderers' poor run continues.

Images courtesy of Gary Fox, Freelance Photojournalist, www.garyfox.ie

Bohemians: Brian Murphy; Mark Rossiter, Jason McGuiness, Liam Burns, Owen Heary; Mindaugas Kalonas, Gary Deegan (Glenn Cronin 76), Stephen O'Donnell, Killian Brennan (Anto Murphy 81); Neale Fenn (Jason Byrne 6), Glen Crowe.
Subs not used: Chris Konopka, Conor Powell.

Booked: None.

Bray Wanderers: Alan Gough; Gavin Whelan, Ray Kenny, Kevin Doherty (Colm Tresson 46), Gary Cronin (Philip Knight 46); Paddy Kavanagh (Andy Myler '74), Mak Duggan, Alan Cawley, Daryl Robson; Ger Rowe, Jake Kelly.
Subs not used: Chris O'Connor, Gareth Coughlan.

Booked: Robson (24).
Sent off: Robson (80).

Referee: Hugo Whoriskey (Mayo).

Attendance: 1,742

Man of the match: Jason Byrne (Bohemians).