Paul Keegan bagged his first goal of the season as the St Patrick's Athletic continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 2-1 eircom League Cup victory over Bray Wanderers.
With current Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton, as well as his predecessor Brian Kerr interested spectators, the visitors netted once in each half at the Carlisle Grounds last night to move the second stage of Pool D in the League Cup.
But they had to withstand a late Bray rally with Barry Ryan touching Robbie Doyle's 88th minute shot onto a post to prevent extra time.
John McDonnell's men started brightly and went ahead in the 20th minute. Mick Foley stooped to send a low diving header into the far corner.
St Pat's went two up on the hour. Mark Quigley slipped in Sean O'Connor to beat the offside trap inside the box. Chris O'Connor got down to take the ball off his toe only for ex-Seagull Keegan to nip in.
Keegan stumbled but had time to side step the keeper and put the ball into the net despite Brian McGovern covering on the goal-line.
Wanderers pulled one back with seven minutes remaining. Substitute Kieran O'Brien was caught by Darragh Maguire's high challenge, and Doyle sent Ryan to wrong way from the penalty.
