Rumours of Bray Wanderers' demise have been greatly exaggerated. The Seagulls proved that they were still up for the fight with a stirring 2-1 success over Sligo Rovers secured by Sean Heaney's headed winner 14 minutes from time. Ger Pender's firs
Rumours of Bray Wanderers' demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The Seagulls proved that they were still up for the fight with a stirring 2-1 success over Sligo Rovers secured by Sean Heaney's headed winner 14 minutes from time.
Ger Pender's first goal of the season had handed the Seagulls the lead in the first half but Adam Wixted levelled early in the second period before Heaney's decisive effort. There was a wonderful opportunity for Bray to strike first blood after eight minutes.
Ger Pender released Jake Ellis who did the hard part in fending off Sligo captain Kyle McFadden but then squandered the chance as he squeezed his shot wide of the far post. Within three minutes, it was Rovers who had their head in their hands.
Regan Donnelan sent a searching pass towards Mikey Drennan. Bray seemed convinced an offside would be awarded and stalled before Sean Heaney stepped in to take control but his pass intended for Moran went straight to Drennan.
Fortunately for Heaney, Drennan couldn't profit on his return to the League of Ireland as he steered wide. On 15 minutes there was another lack of an offside flag but this time there were more severe consequences.
Rhys Gorman chipped over the top for Ger Pender. Sligo stood and waited for a flag that never arrived so Pender had an age to take a touch and fire past Mitchell Beeney. A thunderbolt from David Cawley forced Moran into a fine save but the shot-stopper would be beaten in the 55th minute as Cretaro's exquisite cross to the back post was nodded home by ex-Seagull Adam Wixted.
Wixted had a wonderful chance to turn the match in Rovers' favour as Lewis Morrison's perfectly-weighted pass found him but he blasted straight at Moran. Two minutes later Bray had found the winner. Gorman delivered a free kick from the left and Heaney glanced it home.
