Sligo held in dour affair

Bray Wanderers 0 Sligo Rovers 0

Sligo, badly missing the midfield artistry of the injured Joseph Ndo, never reached last season’s level of performance as underdogs Bray were full value for a share of the spoils.

The Seagulls had an early let-off when Sligo’s John Dillon supplied a perfect ball from the right to fellow midfielder John Russell only to see his excellent 25-yard effort clip the bar.

Winger Jake Kelly went close for Bray on the half-hour when he lobbed a long distance effort just over the bar.

The visitors were unlucky not to grab the lead on 55 minutes when a corner by Richie Ryan on the right allowed defender Gavin Peers to get in a diving header which was fired on by Doyle but straight into the arms of keeper Gregg — and that was to be their most promising effort.

BRAY WANDERERS: Gregg; Webster, Mitchell, Prendergast, Kendrick; Zambra (O’Neill 87), Dempsey, O’Connor (Murphy 87), J Kelly, Massey (94); Shields, Mulroy.

SLIGO ROVERS: Clarke; Keane, Peers, McGuinness, Davoren Dillon, Ventre (Kirby 77), Ryan, E Doyle (Green 56), Russell (Cretaro 56), Blinkhorn.

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).