Bray Wanderers 0 - 1 St. Patrick's Athletic

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Tue, Sep 29 2009


St. Patrick's Athletic secured their first win in four league games as Pete Mahon's side continued an unbeaten record under their new boss with a 1-0 victory over Bray Wanderers.

The three points puts Pats ten clear of bottom of the table Wanderers, who themselves are now three adrift of Sligo Rovers in ninth place. The game was far from easy on the eye but the Saints won't mind, having Declan O'Brien to thank for the solitary goal.

The only goal arrived in the 28th minute through Declan O'Brien. David Partridge's long-ball evaded the Bray defence and O'Brien watched the bounce. Seeing Chris O'Connor off his line, he attempted to lob the Aussie keeper from 30-yards. The ball sailed over a helpless O'Connor and into the Bray net.

Three minutes later, the Saints could have doubled their advantage. Goalscorer O'Brien danced down the right and made it to the goal line before pulling it back to the edge of the box for Mark Quigley. Quigley side-footed the ball first time and his effort curled at goal, only to rebound off the post. O'Connor was quick to collect the ball before the lurking Darragh Ryan could pounce.

Pats could have bagged another goal in the 37th minute. Enda Stevens robbed Chris Shields on the left before racing to the touchline and pulling the ball back. Ryan Guy was perfectly placed but as he swung his left foot at the ball, he made no connection whatsoever. Quigley followed up but his effort was high and wide.

Bray's first shot on target finally came a minute before the break. Dane Massey did well to take the ball round Gary Dempsey and with plenty of time, he shaped to shoot from 25-yards. Unfortunately, his final connection was weak and landed comfortably in the hands of Brendan Clarke.

Five minutes into the second half, Massey again shot from range for the Seagulls. After Stephen Brennan's shot was blocked, Massey picked up the ball on the left side of the area and shot from there. It had more power than his effort in the first half but again Clarke was able to save.

In the 67th minute the Saints almost doubled their lead with a chance that was identical to their goal. This time, Damien Lynch launched a long-ball down the right. Ryan Guy was able to get to it and from wide on the right he tried to lob O'Connor, who was once again off his line. However, Guy couldn't direct his shot and it hit the side- netting.

In the 90th minute, sub Mark Leech had an opportunity to make an instant impact. After Dave Webster failed to clear the ball, Leech found himself in acres of space in the box and with plenty of time to compose himself. But it was not to be as his right-foot shot was too weak to trouble Chris O'Connor.

Bray's relegation struggle continues with an away trip to Galway United while next up for Pats are Sligo Rovers.

Bray Wanderers (4-4-2): Chris O'Connor; Derek Pender, Derek Foran, Chris Deans (Dave Webster, 79), Dane Massey; Gary McCabe, Dave Mulcahy, Chris Shields, Gareth Coughlan (Ian Tuohy, 68); Jake Kelly (Stephen Brennan, 45), John Flood.
Subs not used: Daire Doyle, Brian Kane.
Bookings: Graham Coughlan (53), Chris Shields (86).

St. Patrick's Athletic (4-4-2): Brendan Clarke; Damien Lynch, Jason Gavin, David Partridge, Enda Stevens; Ryan Guy, Gary Dempsey, Stuart Byrne, Darragh Ryan (John Lester, 81); Mark Quigley ()Mark Leech, 89, Declan O'Brien (Bobby Ryan, 81).
Subs not used: Jamie Harris, Gary Rogers.
Bookings: David Partridge (17).

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Mark Quigley - worked his socks off for his side by tracking back and closing down all night and even making a last-ditch clearance at one point.

Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).

Attendance: 700 (estimate).