O'Sullivan's clinical strike shoots down Seagulls

Longford Town 1

Bray Wanderers 0

LONGFORD TOWN HOSTED mid-table rivals Bray Wanderers with neither side completely clear of the relegation picture at the business end of the season.

The teams were difficult to separate with a single goal from David O’Sullivan giving the hosts all three points despite captain Stephen Rice seeing red late on.

It was the home team that broke out of the blocks early on and David O’Sullivan nearly put his side ahead in the opening stages, Mark Salmon with a fantastic free-kick from the edge of the area tipped on by Mark Rossiter but O’Sullivan couldn’t guide his shot down as it edged over the crossbar from close range.

Bray responded before the half-time whistle and it was up to the heroics of Paul Hunt to stop a one-on-one challenge by Chris Lyons who found space behind the defence life but his shot was parried away by the onrushing keeper as the teams went in goalless at the break.

With the first 45 minutes less than enthralling both teams entered the pitch looking to turn the odds in their favour and Longford soon entertained. Mark Salmon played through a well-placed pass to David O’Sullivan who, on the turn, powered the shot goalwards with Peter Cherrie unable to get down to the effort before it hit the back of the net.

Bray Wanderers pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and were unable to capitalise on Stephen Rice’s red card late on for a second yellow card, despite their one man advantage they left the City Calling stadium empty handed.

LONGFORD TOWN – Hunt, Sullivan, Rossiter, Gorman, Powell; O’Connor, Rice (c), Salmon, Shannon, Kelly (Simon 61’), O’Sullivan

BRAY WANDERES – Cherrie, Douglas, McNally, Barker, Cooney; McGlynn,Cassidy (c), McEvoy, Sullivan, Scully, Lyons.

Referee – Paul McLaughlin

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