Bray Wanderers got their first win in six with a 2-1 win over Athlone Town in Lissywollen tonight.

Former Athlone man Kurtis Byrne came back to haunt his old team, assisting Ben Feeney and scoring himself. Aaron McBride would grab the hosts’ only goal of the night.

Athlone were dominant in the first half and started to look dangerous just seven minutes in. Adam Lennon, back after a spell with UCD, got the ball on the right hand side and cut onto his left. His effort with his weak foot skewed wide however.

Four minutes later, the hosts got their best chance of the half. Paul Fox got run through on goal, but Oisin Duffy showed good pace to catch up and block his eventual effort.

Lennon would set up a chance in the 25^th minute. On the right hand side again, he squared it to Glen McAuley, but Dan Blackbyrne blocked his effort.

Athlone should’ve taken the lead in the 33^rd minute. Thomas Oluwa found himself on the end of a good through ball, but his penultimate touch let him down and Stephen McGuinness got down to make the save.

Lennon again popped up with a chance in the 39^th minute. He muscled off Conor McManus and cut onto his left, but only found the sidenet.

Athlone could feel aggrieved by a decision two minutes later. McAuley’s shirt was dragged in the area, but he stayed on his feet and no penalty was given. From this, Gary Armstrong would pick up a loose ball, but his audacious curled effort hit the bar.

Bray would suckerpunch Athlone out of the break. Byrne got the ball out left and sent in a sweet right footed curled effort which Feeney got onto the end of for the lead.

Athlone responded well though. Just three minutes later, McAuley curled in a free. Aaron McBride’s initial flick was blocked, but he followed it up for the goal.

Bray responded well in turn however. Byrne was played through on the brink of the hour mark and slipped it by the keeper to restore Bray’s lead, the provider becoming the finisher.

Athlone didn’t threaten heavily for the rest of the night but Aaron Connolly did send in a good cross in the 77^th minute to the back post for McAuley to meet. He just couldn’t keep the header down though.

Bray have their first win in six. For Athlone, another losing streak continues.