Simon Collins reports

The Dubliner is convinced the win can provide his side with a much-needed boost going into this weekend’s crucial clash with eircom League favourites Bohemians.

Kenny was delighted with his side’s performance against Eddie Gormley’s men and believes their impressive second half display could mark a resurgence in form as they attempt to close the gap at the top.

Following the recent disappointing 3-0 league defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic at the Brandywell and the subsequent stalemate against Sligo Rovers, Derry’s inconsistent league form had threatened to ruin their season. However, Kenny believes the business part of the campaign begins now as they prepare for Friday’s crunch encounter with Bohemians.

“The players can take great confidence from Friday night’s performance,” he said. “I think we’re starting to play some of our best football. In the second half against Bray, something clicked with the players. The front three in particular, Thomas Stewart, Niall McGinn and Mark Farren, were all excellent.

"I was really pleased with the way we started the second-half straight from the whistle. We were really at the races and played some good stuff. We created plenty of chances before we eventually scored. We played at a really high tempo. Ruaidhri Higgins ran the game and our passing along the back four was better and more accurate. Our front three played closer together, there was good movement and inter-changing and Bray weren’t sure how to cope with it.

Outside chance of league

"We’re trying to get a way of playing that suits the players we have. You would have to say we have an outside chance of winning the League. At the start of the season we weren’t even discussed or mentioned - but we’ve kept battling on.”

Brandywell debutante Thomas Stewart played a significant part in the victory over the ‘Seagulls’, creating the first goal for Gareth McGlynn with an excellent cross from the left before getting in on the act himself with his first goal for his new club.

Kenny believes the Portadown lad has strengthened his attacking options and is confident his side is capable of scoring from all areas of the pitch.

“Thomas Stewart’s goal that was ruled offside appeared legitimate and we had plenty of other chances to score. Ciaran Martyn and Gareth McGlynn went close and we now seem to be scoring plenty of goals at home.”

Having just defeated Pat Fenlon’s Bohemians 4-1 in the League Cup quarter-final at the Brandywell, Kenny believes that performance - along with Friday night’s impressive victory over Bray - can provide the necessary confidence going into Friday’s encounter.

“We beat Bohs 4-0 in the League Cup and they dismissed that result. But having managed players like Jason Byrne and Glen Crowe in the past, I can’t see them approaching a game like that and not trying to win it. So I would question that.