Byrne goal lights up a poor game

A Brian Byrne goal two minutes from time gave managerless Dundalk three precious points as they strive to climb out of the play off position.

And on a day when Bray Wanderers switched on their new floodlights, it surely marked the beginning of the end of their Premier Division status for next season as this loss opens up a 13 point gap between themselves and third from bottom Dundalk.

Byrne's goal was worth waiting for as it salvaged something from a generally poor game. A low 30 yard shot from Dundalk's left back David Crawley struck Byrne some 18 yards out and he swivelled to power a left foot drive beyond Bray goalkeeper John Walsh and into the top corner of the net.

The goal was a cruel blow to Bray who had got well on top in the final quarter. "We created enough good chances to have won the game well, but we just didn't take them," said Bray manager Pat Devlin, afterwards.

Though Bray were guilty of several bad misses, credit must also go to Dundalk goalkeeper, Les Fridge, who had a fine game.

Fridge made three fine stops during Bray's good second half spell, two from Bray's dangerman, Robbie Coyle.

A double substitution by Bray early in the second half almost paid off within a minute when Pat O'Brien and Justin Dutton combined to play Coyle in on goal but Fridge bravely smothered at his feet.

Fridge then made the stop of the game on 66 minutes when turning Coyle's powerfully struck shot round a post after a clever run by the Bray winger.

Fridge came to his side's rescue again when Dutton broke through on 78 minute only for the Dundalk keeper to get a fingertip to turn Dutton's poorly struck effort out for a corner.

Dundalk's Joe Gallen wasted the best chance of an otherwise featureless first half five minutes before half time. A defensive deflection from Byrne's attempted through ball played Gallen in but he rushed his shot and John Walsh saved comfortably.

Dundalk's eight member board will meet tomorrow night to discuss the club's managerial situation in the aftermath of John Hewitt's resignation on Saturday afternoon.

Club chairman, Enda McGuill, yesterday confirmed that Hewitt's resignation was accepted reluctantly and his two year contract was settled amicably.

Tommy Connolly took charge of the team yesterday but may not necessarily stay in control until the end of the season as had been stated initially.