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Michael Rafter bagged a double to give second-placed Derry a comfortable Premier Division victory over Bray.

City edged the opening stages but Bray went close when Jason Roberts clipped the Derry bar after 20 minutes.

Rafter put the Candystripes ahead six minutes later with Bray keeper Sean Holmes at fault for failing to keep out the the striker's long-range shot.

The double was completed on 55 minutes as Rafter headed in from Patrick McEleney's cross to the back post.

A third straight league win takes Declan Devine's team two points behind leaders Sligo Rovers, who play UCD later on Monday.

It was a deserved victory with Derry rarely threatened by a disappointing Wanderers outfit.

Patrick McEleney fired over and Rafter had a header saved before Byrne's lob found the top of the woodwork.

Stand-in keeper Holmes had a moment to forget when Rafter's effort from 30 yards managed to escape his grasp, with the ball dropping into the net.

Patrick McEleney sent a curling shot over and Madden headed straight at Holmes as the hosts continued to dominate.

There was no fortune with Rafter's second goal, the striker involved in a slick build-up before applying the finish.

Bray failed to muster a response and Derry went in search of a third, with Mark Griffin heading wide and Holmes denying substitute Michael Duffy.