by Paul Gallagher
Shelbourne 3 Bray Wanderers 2
The cliche, a game of two halves was never more apparent as far goals were concerned, than in tonight’s encounter when league leaders Shelbourne beat Bray Wanderers 3-2 at Tolka Park.
After playing out the first half without either side able to break the deadlock, it was Shelbourne through Richie Foran who seized the initiative after 48 minutes. Dessie Baker completed an accurate cross from the right for Foran to slot into the far corner.
Ten minutes later James Keddy doubled the Shels’ tally after chesting the ball down in the Wanderers’ area and beating John Walsh in goals. The outcome looked ominous for the visitors until Barry O’Connor pulled one back after cleverly getting the better of the Shelbourne defence and side-footing the ball past Steve Willaims in goals.
When Richie Foran headed his second goal of the match after 77 minutes, the points looked secure for Shelbourne. However, a goal in the 87th minute by Colm Tresson to bring the scoreline to 3-2, ensured the game ended with several tense minutes still left to play.
In the end, Shelbourne came away with the three points, increasing their lead at the top of the table to 12 points over Bohemians who still have three games in hand.
Elsewhere, in the eircom Premier League, Galway United drew 1-1 with Finn Harps at Terryland Park. Galway took the lead through Alan Murphy in the 11th minute, before Shane Bradley equalised in the 29th minute.