Kurtis Byrne’s fifth league goal of the season was all that separated Dundalk and Bray at Oriel Park, a result that kept the home side very much still in the title race while dragging the visitors into the relegation mire.

Richie Towell’s classy clipped effort ended up just past the post as the Lilywhites began to settle into their free-flowing groove that have made them such a joy to watch this season but they would find it tough to break down Bray.

Ten minutes before half-time they came close to scoring when Kieran Waters found space just outside the Dundalk penalty area and curled against the crossbar.

Stephen Kenny’s men were not out of the woods yet though as the lively Waters collected the resulting loose ball and evaded a challenge inside the area but could only crash his low strike against the upright.

It was Dundalk who came out after the break with more intent and were instantly rewarded for their efforts when a sublime pass from Patrick Hoban put Byrne baring down on goal and he made no mistake as his powerful drive sailed into the corner just three minutes after the break.

Following the goal, Dundalk began to dictate the tempo of the play and allowed the Seagulls to see very little of the ball as ambitious volleys from distance by Stephen O’Donnell and Jordan Keegan being the only real chances in 20 minutes that came after the former Hibernian man’s goal.