Drogheda United 0 Bray Wanderers 0:A SHARE of the spoils was just about right for two sides who have failed to find the net now in their opening two encounters of the new season.

Drogheda made all the running in the opening half but couldn’t find a way past a resolute Wanderers defence. Approaching the quarter-hour mark Bray defender Dane Massey appeared to trip John Paul Kelly in the penalty area, but referee Tommy Connolly waved away strong claims for a spot kick. Kelly then saw his well executed free saved by Chris O’Connor before the goalkeeper was called into action again as the half hour approached when he did well to hold Robbie Martin’s powerful low drive.

Six minutes into the second half Bray created a chance when Dave Mulcahy’s 30-yard shot flew narrowly wide. Minutes later Bray should have taken the lead when Massey’s corner picked out the inrushing Derek Foran who powered his header narrowly over.

Immediately the action swung to the other end where Robbie Farrell sent Kelly clear. However, his attempted dink over the advancing O’Connor was stopped by the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper.

Both teams had chances to win in the closing minutes. Substitute Chris Shields’ piledriver for Bray came back off the bar and Steve Williams did well to stop Gerry McCabe’s shot. In stoppage time Drogheda’s Paul Shiels just failed to get a touch on the ball that would have sent it to the net.

DROGHEDA UTD:Williams, Whelan, McNally, Kenna, Clarke, Kelly, Shiels, Duggan, Chambers, O'Connor (Duffy, 68 mins), Martin (Farrell, half-time).

BRAY WANDERERS:O'Connor, Pender, Massey, Foran, Deans, Doyle (Webster, 87 mins), Kavanagh, Mulcahy, Byrne (Forsyth, 68 mins), Coughlan (Shields, 68 mins), McCabe.

Referee:T Connolly (Dublin).