Shamrock Rovers 1 Bray Wanderers 0:For much of this game Shamrock Rovers threatened to squander their hard work of the past fortnight. Wins over Drogheda and Cork saw them riding high but Bray pushed them every inch of the way last night.
Tadhg Purcell's goals, though, have been timely this season and the striker weighed in with another valuable contribution late on to maintain his side's momentum.
Having lost their way following wins at the start of the campaign, Bray are enjoying their football again. Confidence is restored following recent wins and their strut was evident here.
They tormented Rovers, restricting time in possession and forcing elementary mistakes. Alan Cawley was always on hand to capitalise on stray ball and striker Andrei Georgescu proved a willing accomplice.
Together the pair tormented, even if the Rovers defence stood firm throughout.
But that rearguard could do nothing about Colm Tresson's early shot from distance which battered the crossbar.
Rovers never threatened goalkeeper Steve Williams in the opening half. Promising moves, particularly via David Cassidy, petered out all too often with Clive Delaney immoveable at the back.
Bray should have edged ahead early in the second half. Georgescue's shot was well blocked by goalkeeper Barry Murphy but Gary McCabe, following in, blasted wide when patience was required.
Bray maintained the pressure but while Mark Duggan tested Murphy from distance the visitors lacked the guile of the first half. Sensing this, Rovers finished strongly and pounced 18 minutes from time. Barry Ferguson controlled Ger Rowe's cross and played in Purcell who stabbed home from close range.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; O'Brien, Ferguson, Price, Pender (Barrett 54); Cassidy, Ryan, Danny O'Connor (Duffy, half-time), David O'Connor (Myler 63); Purcell, Rowe.
BRAY WANDERERS: Williams; Tresson, Delaney, Deans, Cronin (Broderick 86); O'Shea (David Tyrell 70), Duggan, Cawley, McCabe; Fox, Georgescu (Dunphy 75).
Referee: R Winter (Dublin).
