BOHEMIANS 0 WATERFORD 2
Posted in Latest News,ReportsSeptember 12, 2020Comments Off
In what turned out to be his last game, John Sheridan’s Waterford FC hit two first half goals, to inflict Bohs second defeat in a disappointing week, as The Gypsies failed to close the gap on leaders Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.
Despite the outcome, the hosts came flying out of the traps and had two good chances within the first 90 seconds. Andre Wright could have done better with a header from an Andy Lyons floated cross, and the reinstated Danny Mandroiu flashed a shot inches wide of Brian Murphys far post.
Waterford, struggling to get a foot hold in the game, might have conceded a penalty with the lively Danny Grant turning brilliantly inside Oluwatunmise Sobowate, who looked to bundle the winger to the floor. Much like the incident a week previous, the referee waved away the claims much to the bemusement of the Bohs bench.
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But, as is often the case at this level, if you don’t punish your opposition when you’re on top, you are susceptible to being punished. And that’s exactly what happened with 24 minutes played. Alistair Coote’s speculative drive took a wicked deflection off Dan Casey and slipped through the arms of Stephen McGuinness. They Gypsies did have a warning just prior to the opener, as Tyreke Wilson had a powerful effort well parried away.
John Martin was next to have a go from distance and smashed the cross bar as Bohs struggled to regain their composure and regain the upper hand. Disaster struck right on the stroke of halftime, the visitors doubled their lead when left back, Wilson curled in a beautiful free kick from slightly right of the area. And as a half that started so brightly for the home side, ended miserably, and now faced an uphill battle in the second half
As expected Bohs dominated possession after the break but struggled to break down a resolute Waterford rearguard. It took until just after the hour mark for Bohs to muster a meaningful effort, with player of the month, Grant cheating the ball down and quickly hit left footed volley from the edge of the area, But unfortunately was straight down the throat of Murphy.
The visitors continued to carry a threat though, and while looking comfortable without the ball, had chances to add to their tally. Wilson hit the foot of the post with another excellent free kick from a similar position to his goal and Martin had a back post header hit the post and bounce away from goal.
With the game slowly drifting away, boss Keith Long looked to freshen things with the introduction of Promise Omochere and Keith Ward. The new faces brought about immediate impact forcing a spate of corners, one of which brought a goal mouth scramble that was brilliantly defended by Murphy and co.
Dan Casey had a late header just miss the near post, but unfortunately for Keith Long and his troops just couldn’t force the breakthrough against a stubborn and very organised Waterford defence.
Next up for The Gypsies is a tough away trip to in-form Sligo Rovers, with a massive three points on offer in the race for European football next season.
Bohemian FC: Stephen McGuinness, Andy Lyons, James Finnerty, Dan Casey, Anto Breslin, Keith Buckley, JJ Lunney (50’ Conor Levingston), Daniel Mandroiu (77’ Keith Ward), Kris Twardek, Danny Grant (77’ Promise Omochere), Andre Wright (70’ Glen McCauley)
Subs: James Talbot, Ciaran Kelly, Conor Levingston, Dawson Devoy, Keith Ward, Promise Omochere, Glen McCauley
Waterford FC: Brian Murphy, Jake Davidson, Tyreke Wilson, Robert Weir, Alistair Coote, Michael O’Connor (69’ Dean Walsh), Matthew Smith, John Martin (82’ Niall O’Keefe), Robbie McCourt, Kurtis Byrne, Oluwatunmise Sobowate
Subs: Tadhg Ryan, Dean Walsh, Darragh Power, Alex Phelan, William Fitzgerald, Paul Martin, Niall O’Keefe
