National League Premier Division/ Longford Town 1 Bray Wanderers 1: Longford boss Alan Mathews would have been happy to have Davy Byrne, John Martin and Dessie Baker back from suspension, but his strengthened squad still proved unable to take three points from a Bray Wanderers side that move a little further away from the relegation zone.
This eventful clash was given an early boost when Bray hit the front after nine minutes. Goalkeeper Chris O'Connor saw his long kick bounce over the Longford defence and Kieran O'Brien nipped in behind the cover to smash a left-footed volley past Shay Kelly.
Longford could have been level within four minutes but, from Alan Kirby's corner kick, Sean Dillon's strike was narrowly tipped over the crossbar.
The first half's major talking point was an unfortunate collision between Longford duo Sean Dillon and Shay Kelly, who was badly injured and had to be stretchered off the field.
Longford were thrown a lifeline in the 45th minute when referee Pat Whelan awarded them a penalty after John Martin went down inside the area. Bray midfielder Colm James pleaded his innocence but Dave Mooney took full advantage to blast the penalty home.
Longford had a number of opportunities to hit the front early in the second half. Dean Fitzgerald and Dave Mooney had super chances.
The home side played out the closing 24 minutes with just 10 men after Stephen Gough received his second yellow card following a bad tackle on Colm Tresson.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Longford had one last chance to grab the points but Dessie Baker wasted a great chance in the closing minutes.
LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly (O'Brien 18); Gough, Dillon, O'Connor, Prunty; Kirby (Barrett 78), Fitzgerald, Martin, Byrne; Mooney (Baker 76), Keegan.
BRAY WANDERERS: O'Connor, O'Reilly (Holt 70), Long, Tresson, Roche, James (Dunne 57), Kevin O'Brien (Byrne 86), Caffrey, Keogh, Kieran O'Brien, Fox.
Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin).
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