Derry City 1-1 Bray Wanderers
Last updated on .From the section Football
Derry's title hopes suffered a blow after they were held to an Aitricity Premier Division draw by Bray.
Bray took a 41st minute lead at the Brandywell when a Dean Zambra effort was deemed to have crossed the line.
Emmett Friars equalised with a superb shot on 74 minutes, hitting the top of the net from 35 yards.
City pressed for the winner and striker Eamon Zayed was denied first by keeper Darren Quigley and then the woodwork as Bray clung on for the draw.
It was a fortunate opener for the County Wicklow men, but Derry did little to deserve a lead either as a solid Bray defence held firm in a largely disappointing opening period.
Zambra latched onto a ball swung into the box and Gerard Doherty was ajudged to be behind his goalline when he palmed the ball clear.
Bray could have stretched their advantage on the stroke of half-time when they were denied what appeared to be a clear-cut penalty.
Derry were full of endeavour early in the second half but were frustrated by a resolute Bray team.
City raised the tempo after Friars levelled and they should have gone in front when Ruaidhri Higgins sent Zayed through, but the forward's shot was saved by the feet of Quigley.
Zayed missed out again on 81 minutes when his header found the outside of a post after he linked up with substitute Mark Farren.
Derry would have gone top with a victory but they remain third and one point behind leaders Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.
Elsewhere, Bohemians and St Pat's Athletic played out a scoreless draw while UCD beat Dundalk 3-0.
