Bray Wanderers 1-1 Dundalk

Bray’s five-year Premier Division status hangs by a thread despite
picking up a point at a rain-swept Carlisle Grounds.

With Drogheda beating Galway, it means they hold a four point
cushion over the Seagulls - who will be relegated if Drogs win away on Friday.

After a poor opening period, the second half improved despite the poor conditions.

Jake Kelly’s 51st minute corner was met by Dave Mulcahy just yards out.

Although his header beat Peter Cherrie, Shaun Kelly cleared off
the line.

Dundalk attacked the other end almost straight away. Darren Mansaram’s centre found the unmarked Ger Rowe, but the former Seagull dallied and his effort was charged down.

Wanderers went in front when Dave Webster was put through along the right channel in the 57th minute. His cross hit the arm of Liam Burns and assistant referee Ciaran Delaney flagged for a penalty.

Having converted from 12 yards against the same opposition last April at the same venue, Jake Kelly stepped up and lashed the dead-ball past Peter Cherrie.

But the Lilywhite’s hit back to draw level with 15 minutes remaining.

Michael McGowan’s 30-yard free kick took a wicked deflection off Ger Rowe with Chris O’Connor making a fantastic save by tipping the ball around the post.

But from the resultant corner taken by McGowan, the Australian
keeper’s poor punch saw Michael Daly prod in his third of the
campaign.

The Wicklow side went close to a winner in the 85th minute when Stephen Brennan’s quick free found Derek Pender in space, but the full-back’s 25-yard screamer clipped the cross-bar.

Bray Wanderers: 1 Chris O’Connor; 2 Derek Pender, 4 Dave Webster, 5 Chris Deans, 3 Daire Doyle; 7 Colm Tresson (Shields 81 mins), 6 Stephen Brennan (14 Gareth Coughlan 90 mins) 8 Dave Mulcahy, 11 Jake Kelly; 9 Paul Byrne, 10 John Flood (15 John Mulroy 85 mins).

Subs not used: 12 Dane Massey, 25 Brian Kane

Booked: Jake Kelly 67 mins, Brennan 86 mins, Deans 88 mins

Dundalk: 1 Peter Cherrie; 2 Shaun Kelly, 5 Liam Burns, 15 Michael
Coburn, 19 Simon Kelly (17 Nathan Murphy 65 mins); 11 Michael
McGowan, 14 Paul McAreavey, 16 Michael Daly, 9 Darren Mansaram; 10 Alex Williams, 18 Ger Rowe.

Subs not used: 7 Tiarnan Mulvenna, 12 Michael McGinlay,
19 Martin McGowan, 1 Chris Bennion.

Referee: Dave McKeon (Meath).