GALWAY UNITED 0 BRAY WANDERERS 1
It turned into one of those disappointing evenings Galway United supporters have become accustomed to.
John Caulfield stint as manager has brought equal measures of hope and expectation, but Bray Wanderers did enough to secure a passage to the SSE Airtricity League first division play-off decider.
That hurt the thousands of United supporters, who had flocked to the Dyke Road venue eager to see a developing United team.
Brandon Kavanagh’s immaculate 21st minute strike ensured Bray Wanderers led at the end of a tough opening period.
United had opportunities following Kavanagh’s gorgeous strike which was a moment of great quality in front of a packed Corribside venue.
Mikie Rowe forced Republic of Ireland U21 goalkeeper Brian Maher in the 33rd minute as United started to pose some questions.
Then a Wilson Waweru attempt struck the crossbar, but Bray went in at the interval armed with an advantage.
Four minutes after the restart Keating was thwarted by Maher again, but Bray continued to defend sensibly.
Managing the game effectively, Bray closed out the deal. For United another campaign outside the top flight awaits.
GALWAY UNITED: Kearns; O'Keeffe, Gorman, Brouder (Nugent, 60 ), Walsh (Murphy, 84 ); McCormack, Boylan (Doherty, 72 ), Hurley; Rowe (Cunningham, 84 ), Waweru, Keating.
BRAY WANDERERS: Maher; Byrne, Quinn, Barry, Barnett (Jones, 70 ); Graydon (Thompson, 80 ), Clifford, O'Farrell, Craven (Lovic, 68 ); Kavanagh; Doyle (Shaw, 70 ).
REFEREE: Kevin O'Sullivan.
