Waterford United's remarkable recovery continued at the RSC yesterday afternoon when they defeated Bray Wanderers to all but guarantee their survival in the Premier Division. The future looks bleak for Bray, who are now favourites to be automatically relegated with Dundalk. Sligo Rovers look favourites for the relegation play-off position.
Yesterday's game was only three minutes old when Alan Kirby opened the scoring with a spectacular left-footed volley from just inside the area. Robert Griffin provided a deep cross from the left and the ball was headed down into Kirby's path by Derek McGrath.
Five minutes later Bray were almost back on level terms, but Michael Devine reacted superbly to turn a blistering drive by Glen Brien out for a corner off an upright.
With Bray doing most of the attacking, the visitors came close to equalising on 19 minutes. Jody Lynch touched a free kick to Philip Keogh and his powerful 25-yard shot was touched out for a corner by Devine.
A minute later, United almost went further ahead. Kirby made progress down the left wing and waited for John Frost, who crossed perfectly for McGrath, but with the goalkeeper beaten, his header was whipped off the line by Colm Tresson.
The second half exploded into action after only 45 seconds when Bray's first attack almost resulted in a goal. Keogh got in behind the defence to connect with a Brien cross, but his shot screamed inches wide of the upright.
Desperation drove Bray onwards and only some superb goalkeeping by Devine prevented them from scoring a deserved equaliser. On 56 minutes, Devine dived full length to turn away a fierce drive from Don Tierney and eight minutes later he again denied Tierney by stopping his chest-high pile-driver.
In the frantic final quarter, Tresson ballooned over the bar and hit the side-netting while Barry Wood and Karl Gannon had chances for United.
Waterford United: Devine, Smith, Frost, Derek McGrath, Riordan, Tim McGrath, Kirby , Harkin, Gannon, Iorfa, Griffin. Subs: Kabia for Griffin (57 mins), Wood for Iorfa (65 mins).
Bray Wanderers: Walsh, Tresson, Farrell, Lynch, Doohan, Brien, Tierney, Ryan, Gifford, Fox, Keogh. Subs: O'Brien for Keogh (62 mins), Larkin for Ryan (72 mins), Power for Tierney (76 mins).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
