Bray Wanderers - 2 Longford Town - 2 Barbados striker Eric Levine was Longford Town's hero as his two goals earned the Midlanders a precious point and helped them put aside their off the field problems against an inconsistent Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds last night.
With manager Martin Lawlor being given the sack in midweek, Longford could have been excused for low-key approach to this opening game of the season. But they showed real character in twice coming from behind for a fully merited draw.
Bray could not have wished for a better start when central defender Jody Lynch shot home from 15 yards following a short corner on the right by Matt Britton after just 10 minutes.
When Eddie Gormley's cross was not properly cleared by a hesitant Longford defence, Lynch made no mistake with a powerful shot past keeper Stephen O'Brien.
But Longford were level just five minutes later when a cross by newcomer Barry Ferguson was touched on by Ger Robinson for Levine to shoot into the roof of the net from 10 yards.
Longford grew in confidence and one snap shot from Paddy Mulvihill was just off target. Then Levine again went close when this time shooting into the side netting after good work by Alan Kirby.
But it was Bray who went in front again on 58 minutes after a disastrous attempted back pass by Tom Silke to his goalkeeper.
Striker Barry O'Connor was able to take possession and calmly rounded O'Brien to plant the ball in the unguarded net.
Levine grabbed a second goal on 66 minutes after Vinny Perth and Robinson combined to lay-on the chance for the striker, who picked his spot from 12 yards giving keeper Matt Gregg no chance.
Longford were happy to defend in numbers towards the end with Bray's nearest chance of a winner coming when a late long range free from Eddie Gormley was confidently taken by O'Brien.
BRAY WANDERERS: Gregg; Britton, Lynch, Tresson, Farrell; Long, Gormley, Keogh, Forsyth, Fox, O'Connor. Subs: Morgan for Farrell (27 mins,), O'Hanlon for Long (89 mins).
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Holt, Fergson, Silke, Dillon; Mulvihill, Perth, Kirby, Sheridan; Levine, Robinson, Prunty for Mulvihill (80 mins.), Coleman for Robinson 89 mins.)
Referee: John Feighery (Dublin).
West Brom are to renew their attempts to sign Preston skipper Sean Gregan. They had an initial sterling £1.4 million bid rejected by Preston for the 28-year-old player, who is Albion manager Gary Megson's prime transfer target.
