Shelbourne 0 Bray Wanderers 1

After their European exploits, Shelbourne thought that they would be fitter that every other team for the start of the new campaign and even though they were the better team against Bray on Sunday at Tolka their inability to score was there for all to see.

Pat Scully and especially Stephen Geoghegan missed guilt edged chances in the first half. Bray were on the back foot for most of the opening 45 minutes but they did show their intent close to the whistle when Kieran O'Briens cross was gathered by Jason Byrne and the striker got away from the Shels defence but his shot flew wide.

Both Dessie Baker for Shels and Colm Tresson for Bray had headers cleared off the line in the second period as it looked as if the game was going to wander towards a scoreless draw but Jason Byrne had other ideas.

Bray goalkeeper John Walsh unleashed the ball towards the Shels penalty area with nine minutes left on the clock.

Hesitation from Scully and McCarthy allowed Byrne to gather possession and score with confidence past Steve Williams to wrap up the points even though they had to play the last three minutes with ten-men after Keith Long was sent off.

Shelbourne: Williams, Heary, Hutchison, McCarthy, Scully, Fenlon, D Baker, Doolin, Keddy, S Geoghegan, R Baker

Subs: Foran for S Geoghegan 59, Crawford for Fenlon 59, Gilzean for D Baker 84

Bray: Walsh, Tresson, Gifford, Keogh, Farrell, P O'Brien, Gormley, Long, C Ryan, J Byrne, K O'Brien

Subs: Smyth for C Ryan 80

Sent off: Long 87

Goal: J Byrne 84

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin)