Paul O’Reilly’s first career goal saw Bray Wanderers come from behind to grab a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against Bohemians.
But it was a mixed night for both teams as each goal-scorer saw red at Dalymount Park.
The result means that Waterford United will have to beat Derry City on Monday. Defeat will see United finish bottom and feature in the play-off’s.
Ten minutes after the restart, Ronan Ivory’s throw was volleyed over the top by Colm James. Stephen Fox broke through the right channel to drive in a low cross.
Both Andrei Georgescu and James O’Shea challenged at a crowded front post. The ball ran loose were O’Reilly thumped a fine half volley into the roof of the net.
However, just after the hour mark, the utility man was sent off by referee Anthony Buttimer for a second bookable offence when adjudged to have handled in the Bohs box.
The Dubliners pushed forward with intent after that.
From three Aidan O’Keeffe corner’s in quick succession, Kevin Hunt had a header blocked by Chris O’Connor’s chest while Stephen Rice had a header hit a post and another cleared off the line by Ivory.
The Gypsies had taken just three minutes to forge the lead.
A slip down the left by James allowed Conor Powell to send over a deep cross. Stephen Rice out-jumped David Tyrrell at the far stick with Chris O’Connor make a clawing save off his line. But O’Keeffe reacted to fire in his seventh goal of the season.
With just four minutes remaining, O’Keefe was also dismissed when collecting a second yellow card.
Bohemians: O’Brien; N. O’Reilly, Ferguson, S. Caffrey, Powell; Rice, Heary, Hunt, JP Kelly; O’Keeffe, Dunphy (McGuinness 72 mins).
Bray Wanderers: O’Connor; Ivory, Fox, Tresson, Deans, Tyrrell; James, P. O’Reilly, P. Caffrey, O’Shea (Lacey 76 mins); Georgescu.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).
