Bohemians crash

Bray Wanderers once more defied their critics with a committed display at Dalymount Park last night. At times the home side seemed a bit lost, particularly in the final third, and Bray dictated the tempo of the game as the game wore on.

Bohemians looked to be on their way to ending the slump which had seen them take just one point from their opening four starts when Brian Mooney put them ahead before the break.

But for a side that have already leaked 10 goals, it wasn't long before Bray were back in the game. Jody Lynch was presented with the easiest of opportunities from five yards out after a poorly defended corner.

The hosts began the game without Harry Ngata and Jason Batty both on international duty.

Nonetheless Bohemians were nearly gifted an early advantage when Lynch forced his goalkeeper to perform acrobatics following an ill-advised back header.

That was to be Bohemians best chance until four minutes before half-time when a Donal Broughan flick from a corner saw Mooney free on the edge of the box. The former Liverpool player held his nerve to deliver an unstoppable drive into the bottom right-hand corner.

Bray's equaliser came on 56 minutes and they went on to dominate the second half.

Richie Parsons had a controversial hand in Bray's winner when he ran forcefully to lure the ball out of goalkeeper Mick Dempsey's grasp after Pat O'Brien's initial header. Jason Byrne followed up to drive the ball home with just one minute remaining.

Things got even worse for Bohemians when Robbie Brunton was dismissed for an off-the-ball challenge on Parsons.

Bohemians: Dempsey; Byrne, Brunton, Broughan, O'Hanlon, De Gregario, Mooney, Harkin, O'Connor, Swan, Lawlor. Subs: McGrath for Swan 73 mins.

Bray Wanderers: Kane; Tresson, Keogh, Lynch, McKeever, Dodd, O'Brien, Connolly, Byrne, Smyth, Ryan. Subs: Gill for Connolly 59 mins; Parsons for Keogh 72 mins; Tierney for Dodd 80 mins.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).