Caffrey seals vital win for Bray

Shamrock Rovers - 0 Bray Wanderers -1: Despite spending much of the game containing a free-flowing Rovers side, Bray emerged with three valuable points to all but secure their Premier Division status.

Pat Devlin's side can not now be automatically relegated. Rovers, on the other hand, slip into the play-off position but on the basis of this display can still secure their own safety, particularly with games looming against their closest rivals.

Lee Roche and Trevor Molloy linked well in attack for Rovers early on and caused plenty of problems for Bray's defence. But despite their neat interchanges, Roche squandered a superb opportunity to break the deadlock. Molloy cut past Michael Roche and squared the ball for the winger but he side-footed over Chris O'Connor's crossbar from 12 yards.

Derek Treacy had earlier signalled Rovers' intent when attempting to lob O'Connor from distance but, having collected the goalkeeper's clearance, he directed it straight back to him.

After Robbie Manley went close with a Rovers free from the right, Bray upped their performance and striker Paul Murphy tested Barry Murphy with a low shot from distance after capitalising on some hesitant Rovers defending.

But the Bray attack was comfortably kept under wraps until the interval. Then, five minutes into the second half, Bray took the lead.

Stephen Fox took control in the box but when he centred the ball defenders Paul Malone and Kieran Foley looked to have matters under control. However, the subsequent clearance only reached former Rovers player Paul Caffrey and he fired home from the edge of the area.

Rovers, though, were relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser and they came closest when Molloy headed substitute Marc Kenny's free narrowly over after 78 minutes.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Shelley, Foley, McDonnell, Rutherford; Roche, Treacy, McDonagh, Sheridan; Molloy, Manley. Subs: Malone for Manley (half-time), Quigley for Rutherford (69 mins), Kenny for Sheridan (77 mins).

BRAY WANDERERS: O'Connor; Gifford, Roche, McGovern, Long; Tresson, Caffrey, Keogh, Tyrrell; Fox, Murphy.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin)