SHAMROCK ROVERS supremo Pat Byrne experienced a range of emotions after seeing his side overturn a two goal deficit to move four points clear of the relegation zone following a seven goal thriller at the Carlisle Grounds, yesterday.

After one of the most inept first half defensive displays seen in the country this season, Rovers went in at the break 2-1 in arrears.

But Rovers' plea for leniency was duly noted by hosts Bray Wanderers, who committed nothing short of football suicide in a disastrous seven minute spell that only served to exacerbate their relegation woes. It was no wonder Bray boss Pat Devlin branded the game `unhealthy' and must be wondering what he can do to lift the crisis at the club which has seen Bray concede a staggering 37 goals in just 14 outings.

Bray drew first blood after just 18 minutes when Tommy Gill sent over a cross to Richie Parsons whose lunging volley dipped over the hapless Robbie Horgan. Three minutes later, Kieran O'Brien made it two with a downward header after Rovers had failed to clear their lines several times.

Rovers eventually got their break with a minute to go in the first half with Leonard Curtis nodding home Pat Fenlon's free from the right.

Bray restored their lead 11 minutes after the break with Parsons taking a pass from O'Brien for his second of the game, but not for the first time, Bray were to prove architects of their own downfall.

Rovers duly got stuck in, with Fenlon taking over in midfield and just before the hour, Bray's cushion was reduced to a just one goal when a mix up between goalkeeper John Walsh and Gavin Teehan ended with the unfortunate Teehan turning the ball into his own net.

Then Tony Cousins pulled the ball over for Steven Grant to equalise and Grant then grabbed the winner following a dreadful mix up between Walsh and Alan Smith.