Sligo Rovers slip up against Bray Wanderers

7 Jul 2012 19:57:00

Airtricity Premier Division leaders Sligo Rovers dropped two points as they were held to a draw by a battling Bray Wanderers side at the Showgrounds

Jason Byrne was on target once again to help Bray Wanderers to a 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers, forcing the league leaders to come back from a goal down and snatch a point at the Showgrounds.

The hosts looked the better side throughout the first half, and saw Danny North go close with a 13th-minute header. Rafaele Cretaro impressed for Rovers, and thought he had scored only for his deflected shot to come back off the post. Bray almost took the lead against the run of play when Danny Ventre scuffed a clearance, but luckily his blushes were saved when the ball missed the target. John Mulroy also helped keep Sligo out after Gavin Peers beat Darren Quigley with a header.

A Sligo mistake led to Bray's go-ahead goal just four minutes into the second half. Iarflaith Davoren failed to clear the ball properly, allowing Jason Byrne to slip in and squeeze the ball past Gary Rogers. Ian Baraclough made two changes to get back into the game, sending on Mark Quigley and Pascal Millien. The switch paid off almost immediately, as Quigley set up Alan Keane for the equaliser.

Millien also looked lively and set up a great chance for North near the end, but the striker failed to connect with the cross. Bray held on for a point despite having Adam Mitchell sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.