Bray extend unbeaten run to go joint second

Things just keep on getting better for Bray Wanderers. Yet another night to remember at the Carlisle Grounds has seen them extend their unbeaten run to 12 games and at the same time move into joint second in the table.

Even though they were down a goal after the first half, the nature of Bray's game these days meant that a comeback was almost a certainty. And Pat Devlin's acute tactics again proved decisive.

Kieran O'Brien got the call from the sideline with the game 63 minutes old and just moments later he made a charge at goal that ended in a penalty for Eddie Gormley. From then on, there weren't so much playing as displaying.

Some 10 minutes after that, they were in front. Colm Tresson beat Paul McNally to a long ball, played it back to Philip Keogh, and his cross was inch perfect for the head of Paul Keegan.

Four minutes after that, the game was over. Gormley's corner was also met perfectly by Jason Byrne and his header went unhindered into the top of the net. Longford were clearly beaten, their fourth league loss in a row.

Although the first 15 minutes swung both ways, it was Bray who soon sharpened their attack. Barry O'Connor began to crack open the play in the middle of the field, while behind him, Tresson moved forward with notable intent.

With the Longford defence appearing anything but secure, Bray found themselves with a succession of chances. Keegan was the first to come close, but it was Jason Byrne who was left with the biggest regret. Matt Britton crossed the perfect ball, yet Byrne's header was just off target.

Still, the home support were enjoying every minute of it. Until disaster struck. Eric Smith's strike after 33 minutes was a goal against the run of play.

Tresson had appeared sure of possession in front of goal but things suddenly went very wrong. Niall Byrne managed to flick the ball towards Keith O'Connor, and when he rolled it to Smith, the outcome from that range was inevitable.

For the last five minutes of the half, Longford goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien almost spent as much time in the air as he did on the ground - and at no time seemed assured of himself. Bray, however, couldn't make any of their chances count.

BRAY WANDERERS: J Walsh; M Britton, J Lynch, W Charles, C Tresson; B O'Connor, D Campbell (O'Brien, 63 mins), P Keogh, E Gormley; J Byrne, P Keegan.

LONGFORD TOWN: S O'Brien; E Kenny, E Smith, P McNally, W Byrne; S Kelly (Coyle, 67 mins), S Gavin (Holt, 59 mins), V Perth, S Byrne; N Byrne, K O'Connor (Farrell, half-time).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).