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Galway United held on for a satisfying success over Bray Wanderers at Terryland Park.

In a lively clash in the west strikes from Karl Sheppard and Derek O'Brien put Galway into a commanding position, but Bray substitute Philip Knight scored before the interval to give the visitors hope.

The second period was similarly interesting with opportunities ateither end, but Galway held on for a vital victory.

Bray's collection of promising youngsters commenced the contest brightly, and a Shane O'Neill flick in the first minute fashioned a chance for Robbie Doyle, who dragged a shot wide from 16 yards.

Sean Connor has stressed the importance of topping a mini-league involving Drogheda United, UCD, and Bray so the Tribesmen were keen to impress their new boss.

Midfielder Gary Curran dashed around the park, and ventured forward in the 12th minute, but his right footed effort went over.

Curran was offering plenty of passion, and when Bray custodian Brian Kane saved a 21st minute attempt Karl Sheppard reacted quickly to guide Galway in front.

Galway were firmly in the ascendancy adding a second goal in the 27th minute as Bobby Ryan and Sheppard combined before Derek O'Brien rifled past Kane.

Sheppard was then thwarted by the woodwork as Galway came within a whisker of grabbing a third, but Bray were back in the reckoning in the 41st minute.

O'Neill's cross elicited panic in the Galway defence, and Knight clipped the ball through a string of bodies as Bray narrowed the deficit.

In the third quarter Sheppard and Knight should have scored for Galway, who required a late save Barry Ryan to deny Robbie Doyle.

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Heary, McKenzie, Meynell; Ryan McBrien, 76), Foley, Curran, O'Brien; Molloy (Keane, 83), Sheppard.

Bray Wanderers: Kane; Doyle, Byrne (Knight, 35), O'Connor, Massey (Georgescu, 83); Baker, Kavanagh, Shields, Kelly (Tyrell, 57); O'Neill, Doyle.

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).