Derry City 2 Bray Wanderers 0: Derry City breathed a sigh of relief at the Brandywell last night, the Candystripes recording their first victory in four games following the visit of struggling Bray Wanderers.

And it was substitute, Michael Rafter, who ensured the victory when, during his first involvement in the game, he drove the ball past Darren Quigley to give the Seagulls no way back. Having been sent clear by Patrick McEleney, Rafter did well to place his curling shot into the corner and Bray’s battle against relegation continues.

Derry actually got off to a superb start netting the opening goal after four minutes.

David McDaid sent Simon Madden scampering down the right the defender’s teasing cross was met by McDaid who headed the ball firmly home.

Bray refused to buckle and Derry had to defend on the alertness of Gerard Doherty who produced two top drawer saves to deny Ismahil Akinade on two occasions.

Bray threatened before Patterson hit the crossbar in the 53rd minute and the striker again went close in the 73rd minute .

Bray could have equalised when Akinade was played through by Jason Byrne but the winger sent his shot wide.


DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, S. McEleney, Jarvis, Osborne (P McEleney, 54); McDaid, Higgins, Molloy, Duffy; Curran (Rafter, 73), Patterson (Foy, 89).
BRAY WANDERERS: Quigley; S. O'Connor, Webster, Mitchell, Earley; Akinade, Dempsey, K. O'Connor, Maher (Knight 65); Byrne.
Referee : P McLaughlin (Monaghan).