Mark Quigley's late winner ensured St Patrick's Athletic didn't suffer a UEFA Cup hang-over against Bray Wanderers.
The striker pounced with an 81st minute winner to seal all three points at the Carlisle Grounds.
From a quick throw along the left wing, substitute Gary O'Neill whipped in a cross which went across the box. And Quigley arrived at the far post to poke the ball past Alan Gough.
The same pair almost worked the trick again three minutes later.
O'Neill's clever turn in the centre circle and through ball released the ex-Millwall front man but he blasted over as he bore down on goal.
Manager Johnny McDonnell made no less than six changes to his side after their exploits against Hertha Berlin.
Having been dumped out of the FAI Cup in midweek by Galway United, Bray boss Eddie Gormley promised wholesale changes. But in the end only two materialised.
Astonishingly, it was the 17th match in all competitions that the Wicklow side failed to find the net.
American goalkeeper Lance Friesz won't have had an easier debut as the former LA Galaxy custodian didn't have a save of real note during the contest.
But Wanderers nearly snatched a dramatic injury-time equaliser.
From Paddy Kavanagh's delivery, Kevin Doherty flicked on and substitute Andy Myler guided in a close range header that Friesz dived to his right to gather.
After a lifeless first 45 minutes there was a whirlwind start to the second period.
With just 25 seconds gone, referee Derek Tomney adjudged Derek Pender had passed the ball back Gough on the line of his six-yard area.
With no less than eight home players on the goal-line, the goalkeeper raced out to blocked Keith Fahey's drive from the in-direct free kick.
A sweeping move then saw the Saint's go close again in the 52nd minute. After an interception, Dave Partridge continued his run. His left flank delivery was cut-out at the near post as Mark Quigley arrived.
The Seasiders had the first opening of the contest. Gary Cronin and Mark Duggan combined well to set up Kevin Doherty who side-footed narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
At the other end, Alan Gough raced out to smother the ball as Keith Fahey played in Fitzpatrick before Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Haverty blasted a cross-shot over the bar near the right touchline.
Three away players then went into referee Derek Tonmey's book in the space of five minutes as the defensive trio of Dessie Byrne, Jason Gavin and Haverty were yellow carded.
It took a superbly timed sliding tackle by Paddy Kavanagh to prevent Alan Kirby from getting in a shot from 15-yards in the 23rd minute after good work and low centre by Haverty.
Just before half time, the Dubliner's had the chance to break the dead-lock.
Fitzpatrick just failed to reach Bobby Ryan's cross. The ball ran to the far side of the box to where Gough needed to get down smartly to concede a corner and thwart the in-rushing Kirby.
Bray Wanderers: Gough; Whelan, Doherty, Kenny, Pender; Kavanagh, Robson, Duggan (Dunphy 90 mins), Cronin (Coughlan 72 mins); Kelly, Rowe (Myler 90 mins).
St. Patrick's Athletic: Friesz; Haverty, Partridge, Gavin, Byrne, Bobby Ryan, Fahey, Bialek (Brennan 66 mins), Kirby; Quigley (Harris 90 mins), Fitzpatrick (O'Neill 66 mins).
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
