KIERAN O'BRIEN scored two as Bray Wanderers came from behind twice to earn their first point in seven league games in a rousing draw with champions St Patrick's Athletic in driving rain at Richmond Park last night.
St Patrick's Paul McGee, playing as a striker alongside Ricky O'Flaherty, also scored his first two goals for his new club, the second - a superb 25 yard effort was the goal of the match.
Only Dublin referee Pat Dempsey can tell us why Bray weren't deservedly in front at full time. Pat Devlin's side, with three changes from last week's 4-0 home defeat to Shelbourne, enjoyed perhaps their best first 45 minutes of the season, and took the game to the champions.
Bray even afforded St Patrick's a bizarre goal start when McGee's 13th minute inswinging corner went straight through a crowded box and into the net.
Bray were level on 26 minutes courtesy of a rare Eddie Gormley error. The St Patrick's midfielder failed to control the ball from a Tommy Gill cross and it fell kindly for Kieran O'Brien who cracked home a fine low drive from 20 yards.
The equaliser clearly inspired Bray who dominated until the break. Dave McEnroe drove a fierce shot wide across goal on 29 minutes while Gareth Byrne pushed a shot from Dom Tierney on to the after the Bray midfielder had burst through, helped by a deflection, five minutes before half time, two minutes later came the game's controversial moment.
Byrne only succeeded in punch ing Maurice Farrell's corner into his own net, but Dempsey disallowed it, presumably for a foul on Byrne, but there didn't appear to be any obvious infringement. Bray's protests resulted in a booking for Pat O'Brien.
The second half only came to life when St Patrick's best spell of pressure bore fruit on 64 minutes. Bray were caught napping when Paul Osam's quick throw in found McGee who turned cleverly and unleashed a powerful, low left foot drive that flew into the net.
Bray equalised again nine minutes later. Substitute Robbie Coyle's corner was flicked on by Ally Smyth and Kieran O'Brien headed home from 10 yards.
St Patrick's might have stolen the three points in the final minute but Trehy made an excellent save at the feet of Jason Byrne.
