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All the latest club news and updates from Dalymount Park.

“We cannot feel sorry for ourselves”

DERRY CITY v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, The Brandywell, Friday 22 April 2016, 7.45pm

Keith Long has challenged his Bohemians side to “go out and restore some pride” at The Brandywell on Friday.

The Gypsies are licking their wounds after successive defeats against the club’s two oldest Dublin rivals.

Last Friday’s 4-0 league loss to Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount was compounded three days later when, having been frustrated 0-0 after extra time, Bohs were dumped out of the EA Sports Cup on penalties against Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Long said: “It’s been a bad week. We were obviously particularly disappointed with the result against Rovers. We know that the result and scoreline weren’t acceptable.

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“Everyone is hurting, but we cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to pick ourselves up, go to Derry and put in a fighting performance and show some character.”

Although Friday’s scoreline suggested Rovers dominance, Bohs can be forgiven for wondering what might have been.

The better team for much of opening half, the home side were dismantled by some clinical Rovers finishing a minute either side of half-time.

Long said: “The timing of the goals killed us. For the opener, it was a needless free-kick to give away in a dangerous position and we got punished.

“We came back out after the break in a positive mind and straight away hit the crossbar. Then Rovers go down the other end, hit us with a sucker-punch and we are left chasing the game.”

Trailing in the same fixture at the same venue last season, Bohs changed from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation, substituting a midfielder, Jake Hyland, for a striker, Dean Kelly. The move saw the home side score three goals in the final 15 minutes to clinch a 3-1 win.

Losing 2-0 down last Friday, Bohs made similar tactical switch, with midfielder Keith Buckley making way for striker Kurtis Byrne on 56 minutes.

Long said: “We brought on a second striker and sacrificed a midfielder to try get a goal back and get back into the game.

“We did something similar in the same fixture last season and it worked for us. We tried it last week and it didn’t work. Chasing the game, we left ourselves exposed and were punished.”

A determined performance saw Bohs look to make amends against Shels on Monday. But after large spells of dominance and countless goal-scoring opportunities, the Gypsies failed to find the net and came unstuck in a penalty shootout.

Long said: “The week went from bad to worse. Anything can happen in a penalty shootout but it was very frustrating as we created more than enough chances – both in normal time and in extra time – to win comfortably.”

The Gypsies won’t have it any easier when they travel to face high-flying Derry City. Long’s side won all three fixtures against the Candystripes last season, including two victories at The Brandywell.

But under new manager Kenny Shiels, Derry are a different animal this year, occupying second place and just two points off defending champions Dundalk.

Long said: “It’s going to be a very difficult game for us. Derry are in really good form, have some really good players and have made The Brandywell a fortress again.”

Once again, Bohs’ options have been disrupted by both illness and injury. Ismahil Akinade and Jason Caffrey are both ruled out with hamstring injuries.

There was, however, some good news with Dylan Hayes, whose injury against Shels held the game up for 12 minutes, discharged quickly from hospital on Monday night. Hayes said: “It was nothing too serious – just an elbow to the head and all precautions had to be taken.”

Of more concern is the flu-like virus which has affected several members of the squad over the past month, including Hayes.

Hayes and Jake Kelly played through the symptoms on Monday, but the former is not considered well enough for tomorrow.

Ayman Ben Mohamed and captain Derek Pender, both now suffering with the bug, are also regarded as doubtful for the trip.

Eoin Wearen, Dave Mulcahy and Jake Kelly have all sat out games at various stages with the same virus, while Roberto Lopes was also affected.

Keith Long - by Eddie Lennon

STATEMENT AND APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Bohemian FC wish to reiterate our total condemnation of the incidents that interrupted Friday’s Dublin derby with Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park.

The club has worked tirelessly in recent years to strengthen our relationship with the local community and many community groups in an effort to make Dalymount a welcoming and sociable home for all.

It is deeply disappointing to the many volunteers of Bohemian FC that a one-off incident of idiocy and thuggery by a tiny minority has overshadowed those efforts.

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The Jodi Stand, which is the main stand at Dalymount and houses Bohemians fans, was close to a sell-out and we would like to thank our true fans for their continued support and for remaining calm throughout what was a brief but extremely regrettable incident.

As well as disrupting the game and damaging the image of our proud club, this incident will cost us financially.

Attempts to identify the individuals involved are ongoing and we will work closely with club members and supporters, our stewarding team, the FAI and An Gardaí Síochana to establish their identities.

We note today’s indication by the FAI to charge the club for Friday’s incidents and we appeal for anyone with footage, photos or any other information that could assist these efforts to come forward and contact the club (info@bohemians.ie or 01 8680 923).

Anyone identified as engaging in violent acts in the ground will be banned from attending our games.

Our initial attempts over the past two days to identify culprits suggest that many of those involved are not regular attendees at our games.

These people do not represent our club or our true support, who are incensed that they would seek to hijack and disrupt the special sporting occasion of a Dublin derby.

Bohemian FC will be making no further comment on this incident until we have exhausted our own investigations and have further liaised with the FAI and An Gardaí Síochana.

 

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BOHS BUS TO DERRY

Bohs bus to Derry City on Friday.

Departs Dalymount: 1.30pm sharp.

Cost: €25.

Email bus@bohemians.ie to book seat.

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BOHS HIT BY FLU

SHELBOURNE v BOHEMIANS
EA Sports Cup Rd 2, Monday April 18th, Tolka Park, 7.45pm

A flu bug has hit Bohemians’ preparations for the short trip to face our oldest rivals Shelbourne on Monday night, with Jake Kelly, Dylan Hayes and Dave Mulcahy are all considered doubtful as a result.

Mark Quigley (quad) has returned to training but will not be risked, while Jason Caffrey (hamstring) remains out.

Admission prices: Adults €10, students/children/OAP €5.

 

 

Keith Long by Eddie Lennon

CLINICAL ROVERS MAKE A MIELE OF DERBY

 BOHEMIANS  0 – 4  SHAMROCK ROVERS

Bohemians fell to a crushing home derby defeat – their worst in almost 50 years – as Shamrock Rovers inflicted a dreadful 4-0 loss in front of a huge crowd at Dalymount Park.

A brace from Brandon Miele was sandwiched between goals from Gary McCabe and Gavin Brennan as the visitors displayed clinical finishing throughout the high-intensity encounter. Bohs had the better of the first 30 minutes, but were undone by two sloppy goals right on either side of half time, writes KEVIN FAGAN.

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Bohs boss Long kept faith with the same team that dispatched Bray last week, while old friends Pat Fenlon and Killian Brennan plotted the downfall of their former employers.

Typical of every single encounter between the two (in the last 20 years anyway), the game started at a feverish pace, with little or no constructive play due to the heady mixture of fouls, nerves, testing the referee, and settling in.

When the dust did settle, it was the home side who started to produce. Ayman Ben Mohamed, ever the bright spark, skinned Simon Madden on the left flank and pulled the ball back to Keith Buckley, who could only direct his 15-yard effort straight at Barry Murphy in the Rovers goal.

Then came the big chance for the Gypsies. This time the cross came from the left, and was whipped in be captain Derek Pender. Rovers centre back Maxime Blanchard fluffed his clearance, and the ball squirmed into the path of Izzy Akinade. However, the big striker’s shot wasn’t the most powerful, and was blocked brilliantly by Madden.

The old saying goes that you must score when you’re on top, and that is definitely the case in Derby matches. Rovers started to come into the game, shooting toward their horde of fans in the Des Kelly Stand. Gary Shaw stung the palms of Dean Delany – but as the fourth official held up the board, it looked like there’d be a half time stalemate.

Simon Madden had other ideas. He skipped past Lorcan Fitzgerald on the byline just outside the box, and the defender chopped him down clumsily. Rovers worked the resulting free kick well – pulled back short to the edge of the box. Brandon Miele’s shot was well blocked by Roberto Lopes, but the rebound fell to Gary McCabe who unleashed a powerful drive that took a deflection and flashed past Dean Delany.

Disappointment quickly turned into disaster for Bohs almost straight after the re-start. Paddy Kavanagh had a looped shot that came off the top of the crossbar, and from the resulting attack, Rovers struck again. This time, Brandon Miele was sent through down the right by McCabe, and directed a pinpoint shot into the far corner.

If the Bohs fans were hoping for a response from their team, they were left bitterly disappointed. Kurtis Byrne came on for Keith Buckley, but the change didn’t work out. Rovers began to dominate possession, and clinched the victory on 73 minutes. Again it was Miele, by far the best player on the pitch and maybe in the country, who struck. After skipping past two Bohs defenders and playing a one-two with Shaw, he curled a beautiful shot that clipped in off the inside of Delany’s post.

To add insult to injury, and really compound a night of pure misery for the Gypsies, Ryan Brennan curled a 25 yard peach into the top corner with 10 minutes to go to make it 4-0.

Bohs now face a crucial period in their season. A League Cup last 16 tie at Shelbourne is followed by a trip to Derry and a home date with the Champions, Dundalk. An instant response is required from the men in red and black.

Bohemians: Dean Delany, Derek Pender, Dan Byrne, Derek Prendergast, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Roberto Lopes, Eoin Wearen, Keith Buckley (Kurtis Byrne, 56), Paddy Kavanagh, Ayman Ben Mohamed, Ismahil Akinade. Subs not used: Lee Steacy, Dave Mulcahy, Anto Murphy, James Kavanagh, Dylan Hayes, Adam Evans.

Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy, Simon Madden, David Webster, Gavin Brennan, Killian Brennan, Pat Cregg, Mikey Drennan, Gary McCabe, Brandon Miele (Trevor Clarke, 90), Gary Shaw (Gareth McCaffrey, 72). Subs not used: Craig Hyland, Rob Cornwall, Richard Purdy, Stephen McPhail, Danny North.

CLUB STATEMENT

Bohemian FC wishes to express our disappointment with the small minority in attendance who were responsible for causing crowd disturbances which interrupted tonight’s game against Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park.

The club will work closely with stewards and An Garda Síochána to identify the individuals responsible.

A more detailed response will be made in due course.

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“This is the game fans and players all look forward to”

BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 15 April 2016, 7.45pm

Keith Long says Bohemians will not be deterred by the sense of occasion when they host arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin derby on Friday.

Long said: “When the fixtures come out, this is the game that fans and players all look forward to.

“We all understand that. We all want to be involved in and win these kind of games.

“Ultimately though it’s the same three points up for grabs as last week against Bray Wanderers and the same three points up for grabs against Derry City next week.”

Having lost just once in the last 11 league meetings (W4 D6 L1) between the sides, Bohs’ derby form in recent seasons has belied the clubs’ league positions.

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Once again, Bohs come into this fixture chasing the Hoops in the table.

Currently in seventh place on ten points, victory tomorrow would see the Gypsies leapfrog Rovers, who sit fifth on 12 points.

Long said: “Our record in previous games against Rovers doesn’t come into it and the clubs’ positions in the table counts for nothing coming into a derby either.

“These games are tight, tense and have often been decided on a mistake or sometimes on who wants it more. I’ve no doubt it will be a keenly-contested affair as always.”

Bohs are in form after two successive 2-0 league victories against Longford Town and Bray Wanderers respectively, with an entertaining 4-3 Leinster Senior Cup win over Dundalk in between.

Long said: “Our results have improved. It was important that we settled as we had an indifferent start to the season.

“Bray was always going to be a tough game and it took us a while to get into it. But when we got going, I thought we put in a very solid and professional performance.

“We’ve back-to-back victories in the league now – including our first away from home – and kept a clean sheet in both, so our confidence is good.”

Rovers’ last outing was a 3-0 loss away to Derry City last Friday and Long added: “Rovers will be hurting from that defeat. Pat Fenlon will have his players ready for this game and demanding an improvement.”

Dave Mulcahy comes back into contention for Bohs after missing the Bray game with a virus. But Mark Quigley (quad) and Jake Kelly (virus) are doubtful. Jason Caffrey (hamstring) remains out.

Goalscorer Ayman Ben Mohamed is mobbed by team-mates against Bray Wanderers - by Eddie Lennon

“We’ve got to show we want it more”

BRAY WANDERERS v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, Carlisle Grounds, Saturday 9 April 2016, 7.30pm

Keith Long has told Bohemians to show they “want it more” when they travel to take on Bray Wanderers on Saturday.

The Gypsies continued their encouraging home form with victories against Longford Town and Dundalk over the last eight days in the SSE Airtricity League and Leinster Senior Cup respectively.

Those wins made it five games unbeaten at Dalymount Park in all competitions this season and now Long wants to replicate that form on the road.

Long said: “It’s still early days. We’ve had two good wins but Bray will be tough opponents. They’ll be disappointed at being beaten by Wexford Youths on the back of a fantastic result against Sligo Rovers.

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“It’s not going to be easy and we’ve got to show we want it more.”

Goals from Keith Buckley and Aymen Ben Mohamed just before half-time gave a reinvigorated Bohs side a 2-0 victory against Longford last Friday.

Long said: “It wasn’t perfect. But we showed more of what we’re capable of.

“We were delighted to keep a clean sheet but we got away with some errors that might have been punished against other teams.

“But with that two-goal cushion, you could see that the players were really playing with confidence in the second half.”

Bohs’ defence has come in for criticism in the early stages of this season but having scored six goals in two games, now the side’s flair up front is receiving some deserved plaudits.

Long said: “We still need to tighten up defensively and that has to start from the front. But between Kurtis Byrne, Mark Quigley, Izzy Akinade, Jake Kelly and Adam Evans, we have really good attacking options.”

The competition for places up front was highlighted by Kurtis Byrne – reduced to a substitute’s role against Longford – netting a stunning hat-trick in the 4-3 Leinster Senior Cup win against his former club Dundalk on Monday.

Long said: “Obviously the Leinster Senior Cup is down our list of priorities but it meant that, bar the injured players, we were able to give everyone in the squad a game over the two matches.

“Kurtis was disappointed not to start against Longford but he really showed his quality against Dundalk.”

And, for once, a manager was happy to see his touchline instructions fall on deaf ears.

Long added: “Kurtis was about five yards offside for his first goal! I was screaming at him to leave it alone as Adam Evans was onside.

“But it was a lovely finish – the hat-trick really was fantastic. The free-kick for the second was excellent and the third was something special too.

“It’s great to see a player have the confidence to try something like that. It reflects the hard work he puts into his own game and I think there is more to come from Kurtis as he settles in at the club.”

Mark Quigley (quad) is once again considered doubtful, while Jason Caffrey (hamstring) remains out.

Keith Long and Jake Kelly - By Eddie Lennon

BYRNE BABY BYRNE

BOHEMIANS 4 DUNDALK 3

An action-packed night that’ll be remembered for both shambolic Dundalk defending and a Kurtis Byrne hat-trick master class, as Bohemians overcame a weakened but resilient Dundalk side in a thrilling encounter. The Dalymount faithful were treated to what was possibly one of the most memorable nights in the Leinster Senior Cup’s recent history.

Bohemians started the brighter team, and almost opened the scoring when a Jake Kelly free-kick found Kurtis Byrne unmarked at the back post, but the former Lilywhites frontman mistimed his kick completely as the goal lay at his mercy. Bohemians didn’t have to wait long for their next chance, as Evans skilfully caught Paddy Barrett flat-footed to pull back for Kelly, who could only find the comfortable hands of the Dundalk Keeper.

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It was Stephen Kenny’s side, however, who took the lead after thirteen minutes as Bohs were left to rue their missed chances. An accurate through ball found the feet of Michael O’Connor who struck a well-placed shot past the on-rushing Lee Steacy.

Bohemians didn’t take it lying down, and almost drew level when Evans intercepted a sloppy Dundalk pass to find Keith Buckley on the edge of the area. Unfortunately for the tireless midfielder, his effort was blazed high and over. Keith Long’s men didn’t have to wait to ling for their next chance, as a stray Kelly shot found Kurtis Byrne on the 18-yard line; however his effort was well high of the target.

Bohemians continued to employ a high-pressing tactic which the Dalymount faithful have become so accustomed to since Long’s inception. After a string of wasted chances, the Gypsies’ finally drew level. Dundalk defender Anton Reilly shot himself in the foot as he hesitated on the ball inside hos 18 yard line, eventually losing out to Anto Murphy who fired home a ferocious strike past Gabriel Sava to draw the home side level before half-time.

The second half saw the game become a more open affair as Dundalk began to push on into the final third. However it was Bohemians who took the lead with another Kurtis Byrne wonder strike. The Bohs’ frontman found space 35 yards out and let fly with a perfectly weighted volley over the head of the unsuspecting Sava.

The lead didn’t last long though, as hesitant Bohemians defending allowed Michael O’Connor to gran his and Dundalk’s’ second with a delightful shot past an unmoved Steacy.

It was the last ten minutes though, that the game really caught fire. Kurtis Bryne again, showing the 300 in attendance that he’s not one to score ordinary goals. An 81st minute carbon copy of his previous goal, struck a sublime volley from 35 yards out to catch Sava off his line.

The Dundalk keeper will likely be having nightmares tonight, as his tormentor Byrne struck yet again with devastating free kick into the top-left corner of the goal to complete is hat-trick and surely kill off the game for Bohemians.

There was time, however, for a late Dundalk rally. A whizzing cross not dealt with by captain Dave Mulcahy allowed for substitute Jordan Kelly to fire home a late consolation for the away side.

Kurtis Byrne by Tom Beary

A.B.M. SEALS VICTORY AFTER LONG WAIT

BOHEMIANS  2 – 0 LONGFORD TOWN

Ayman Ben Mohamed came back to haunt his old club with a goal that secured a 2 goal lead which would prove enough for Bohemians in a tricky game against Longford Town on Friday night. After 3 losses from 3 away games, Dalymount Park is fast becoming a home comfort for Keith Long’s Gypsies who have now earned 7 points from three home games.

The Bohs boss made 4 changes to the team that lost disappointingly to Galway United last week. Derek Prendergast returned to the back line, Keith Buckley and Eoin Wearen returned to the midfield, while Izzy Akinade led the line. Anto Murphy, Dave Mulcahy, Mark Quigley and Kurtis Byrne were left out, writes KEVIN FAGAN.

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Akinade started brightly, linking up well with Buckley and Paddy Kavanagh – who looked in particularly good form. However, despite a lot of early possession, Bohs struggled to create many clear-cut chances. Lorcan Fitzgerald came closest with a shot that flashed over following a short corner. It was Longford who should really have taken the lead midway through the first half – but they failed to capitalise on Bohs mistakes. First, Lorcan Fitzgerald gave the ball away on the edge of the box, and Paddy Kavanagh had to make a terrific last-ditch tackle to stop David O’Sullivan. Next, O’Sullivan and Alex O’Hanlon tripped over each other when at least one of them should have scored.

Bohs first real chance fell to Kavanagh, who was popping up all over the field. Akinade broke down the left and his cross found Kavanagh who struck the outside of the post. The Gypsies did take the lead on 42 minutes from an unlikely source. The lively Ayman Ben Mohamed checked back on the edge of the box, and slipped the ball through to Keith Buckley. Never a prolific goalscorer, Bucko showed great composure to chip the ball delightfully over Paul Skinner into the net.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Bohs made Longford’s task even harder with a sucker-punch second. Captain Derek Pender flashed a brilliant cross to the far post where Ben Mohamed was waiting to slide the ball home. The former Longford man is fast becoming a cult hero with the Dalymount faithful, who have repaid his quality play with an excellent song in his honour. Listen out for it.

The two goal cushion seemed to loosen Bohs up, and the home team played with a lot of confidence in the second half. Paddy Kavanagh was at the heart of this. The type of player who always tries something different – and tonight it all came off for him. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when he hit the post for a second time with a deflected shot. The woodwork took a hammering all night – Longford’s Peter McGlynn struck Dean Delany’s post with a shot that could’ve re-opened the game as a contest.

Derek Pender and Kavanagh linked very well on the right hand side, but the Bohs skipper’s night was ended by a dangerous challenge by Noel Haverty. The former St. Pats youngster seems to have a serious problem with Bohs, having been sent off in the League Cup meeting between the teams just last week. Haverty could easily have seen red again for pole-axing Pender. Keith Long will be sweating on the fitness of his captain, having lost him for much of the 2015 season with an Achilles injury. Next week, Bohs travel to the seaside to face Bray Wanderers – before the showdown with Shamrock Rovers on April 15th.

Bohemians: Dean Delany, Derek Pender (Dylan Hayes, 78), Derek Prendergast, Dano Byrne, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Keith Buckley, Roberto Lopes, Eoin Wearen (Dave Mulcahy, 84), Paddy Kavanagh, Ayman Ben Mohamed, Ismahil Akinade (Kurtis Byrne, 64). Subs not used: Lee Steacy, Anto Murphy, Jake Kelly.

Longford Town: Paul Skinner, Mark Hughes, James Mulhall, Pat Flynn, Noel Haverty, Kealon Dillon (Kaleem Simon, 14), Kevin O’Connor, Philip Gannon, Peter McGlynn (Don Cowan, 74), David O’Sullivan, Josh O’Hanlon. Subs not used: Ian Molloy, Daniel O’Reilly, Josh McKeown, Keith Beirne, Karl Chambers.

BohemianFC.com Man of the Match: Paddy Kavanagh

Ayman Ben Mohamed - Photo by Martin Doherty
Website by Simon Alcock