Bray Wanderers 0-1 Drogheda United

Having gone into this match without a victory in their first ten Premier Division matches, Drogheda finally secured their first win of the season, ending Bray's unbeaten home run in the process.

The away team had inflicted the Wicklow outfit’s only other home loss in all competitions since September 2008 when winning the EA Sports Cup tie at the Carlisle Grounds last month.

Brian King scored one and made the other in that 2-0 triumph.

And the former Shels and UCD player proved to be the Segulls' nemesis again, snatching Alan Mathews’ charges' fourth league goal of the campaign.

Having replaced Ian Ryan, substitute David O’Connor skinned David Webster along the left flank in the 31st minute.

His end-line centre picked out Jamie Duffy, who scuffed his shot, but it took a deflection and dropped at the far post, where King was waiting to volley in from close range while the referee waved away cries for offside from the hosts.

After the interval, Bray came out and upped their performance.

Paddy Kavanagh fizzed a 52nd minute free-kick from 20-yards just
before they missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise seconds later.

Dane Massey’s long left wing throw was missed by two Drogs players, which allowed Jake Kelly a clear run in on goal.

But Steve Williams brilliantly blocked the striker’s blasted half volley.

The game took a twist with 18 minutes remaining.

Assistant referee Mark Douglas summoned Welsh referee Dean John over to the touchline. And after deliberating, Bray’s stand-in skipper Chris Dean was shown a straight red card for an apparent off the ball incident.

It seemed to galvanise the Wicklow outfit, who went agonisingly close to levelling matters in the 78th minute.

Gary McCabe sprayed a cross-field pass right to left for fellow Irish
Futsal international Massey. He hit a dipping 25-yard half volley that Williams pushed out with a superb save.

Drogheda held on to secure the three points.

Bray Wanderers: Chris O’Connor; Foran, Deans, Webster, Massey; Kelly (Mulroy 55 mins), Shields, Mulcahy (Doyle 35 mins), McCabe, Kavanagh, Byrne (Forsyth 78 mins).

Drogheda United: Williams, Ryan (David O’Connor 23 mins), Kenna, McNally, Clarke; Whelan, Shiels, Chambers, King; Duffy, Martin (Woods 77 mins).