Wexford beat Bray Wanderers 2-1 in the First Division's 26th round of fixtures on Sunday. The hosts took an early lead through M. Rowe's ninth-minute strike before doubling their advantage from the spot just before the half-hour mark. Bray responded quickly through I. Achara, but the visitors could not find an equaliser despite having more possession.
Rowe opened the scoring with a composed finish in the ninth minute, and then converted a penalty in the 24th minute to put Wexford ahead. Achara pulled one back for Bray in the 30th minute, and the game seemed to be heading for a draw. But then the match turned on its head.
R. Ritchie received a second yellow card in the 83rd minute, reducing Wexford to ten men. By then Bray had their chances but could not take them. J. Wynne was sent off in stoppage time for the visitors, and the away end never stopped complaining about the officiating.
Wexford had 46 per cent possession compared to Bray's 54, yet they were more clinical. The hosts registered three shots on target from nine attempts, while the visitors had seven shots on target from thirteen attempts. Wexford also committed two red cards in the second half, which tells you something about the tension.
The result moves Wexford to 37 points in eighth place after 30 games, while Bray remain third with 44 points. The hosts ended a barren spell, having lost their last outing against Cob Ramblers. Bray's heavy 4-0 defeat to Kerry earlier this week made this victory feel like damage limitation rather than progress.