Both sides continued to exchange chances as the half progressed, and Joseph Anang was called into action on a couple of occasions saving smartly from skipper Tyreke Wilson’s curled free-kick and denying Mallon at point-blank range as the winger looked set to open his Bohs account, following a swift move involving Ali Coote and Promise Omochere.

Anang, again, showed incredible reflexes to save a deflected Twardek cross from the right to ensure both teams went level at the break.

Bohs signalled their intent from the restart with Jordan Doherty, who brought an outstanding balance to the Gypsies midfield, having a go from distance right from the off.

The hosts broke the deadlock just four minutes in, and a nice finish it was too. Wing-wizard Mallon showed excellent close control and strength to hold off Jack Scott, who initially misjudged a high ball, and the left winger hammered home with his left from just inside the area.

As the half wore on, it was the Saints who dominated possession, introducing both Darragh Burns and Billy King from the bench in search of an equaliser but were met with a strong Bohs rearguard.

The hosts sat deep, in relative comfort and restricted the disjointed Pat’s attack, who just failed to click on the night. James Talbot was rarely tested but substitute Burns dragged a shot just wide in the dying embers.

The Gypsies continued to look dangerous on the break with the relentless Twardek causing chaos on both flanks, while Promise Omochere moved out left.
Ryan Cassidy, on for his debut, also showed some good movement following his introduction and showed the plethora of attacking options Bohs fans will look to enjoy this season.

Bohs held firm for a hard-fought and deserved win, making it four points from a possible six in their opening two games and inflicting the second defeat in quick succession for a very frustrated St Pat’s side.

Bohemian FC: James Talbot, Rory Feely, Grant Horton, James Finnerty, Tyreke Wilson, Dawson Devoy, Jordan Doherty (Ciaran Kelly 88), Kris Twardek, Ali Coote (Ryan Cassidy 79), Stephen Mallon (Jordan Flores 61) Promise Omochere. Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Max Murphy, Conor Levingston, JJ McKiernan, Sam Packham, Jamie Mullins.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joseph Anang, Jack Scott (James Abankwah 76) Joe Redmond, Tom Grivosti, Jamie Lennon (Adam O’Reilly 76), Chris Forrester, Eoin Doyle, Jason McClelland (Billy King 66) Mark Doyle, Anto Breslin, Tunde Owolabi (Darragh Burns 56).Subs not used: Josh Keeley, Ian Bermingham, Ben McCormack, Sam Curtis, Adam Murphy.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

The visitors had played out an extremely entertaining 2-2 draw with big-spending Derry City, and came into the game with a new look squad of their own including returning Bohs hero, Keith Ward, who was given a warm reception upon his arrival.

The game was a rip-roaring, full-blooded battle for the 90 minutes and the hosts took a deserved lead just before the half-hour mark.

Ali Coote’s whipped corner from the left was nodded home by Flores, who was not shy in celebrating his debut goal in front of his former employers.

But the visitors hit back immediately through a Pat Hoban header from a set piece of their own.

As half-time approached, Bohs got their noses in front again and it was a moment of the highest quality from Bohs front man Omochere. The excellent Twardek burst down the right wing and delivered a low cross that was fantastically turned home with a clever backheeled finish.

The second half continued at an outrageous pace as Bohs looked to add to their lead. But with 10 minutes played from the restart, it was 2-2.

Ex-Bohs man Daniel Kelly floated a dangerous cross from the left wing and Bradley rose highest to head in off the post.

James Talbot was called into action a couple of times before the end to ensure Bohs got a deserved point, saving brilliantly from Bradley’s powerful strike and denying substitute David McMillan from point blank range.

A frustrating night having had the lead twice, but plenty for the fans of not just the Gypsies but the league to get excited about having seen the attacking potential of this Bohs front line.

Bohemian FC: James Talbot, Rory Feely, Grant Horton, James Finnerty, Tyreke Wilson (c), Dawson Devoy, Jordan Flores (Jordan Doherty 66), Ali Coote, Kris Twardek, Stephen Mallon (Jamie Mullins 70), Promise Omochere. Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Max Murphy, Ciaran Kelly, Conor Levingston, JJ McKiernan, Ryan Cassidy, Jack O’Reilly.
Dundalk FC: Nathan Shephard, Same Bone, Andy Boyle, Mark Connolly, Lewis Macari, Dan Williams (Keith Ward 53), Greg Sloggett (Paul Doyle 77), Steven Bradley, Robbie Benson, Daniel Kelly (John Martin 68), Patrick Hoban (C) (David McMillan 53). Subs not used : Peterherrie, Brian Gartland, John Martin, Keith Ward, Joe Adams, Paul Doyle, Mark Hanratty, Ryan O’Kane, David McMillan.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

“The boys have worked extremely hard throughout pre-season and are looking forward to playing competitive games. Not playing last weekend has added to boys’ eagerness to play and we cannot wait to get our season underway.

“We hope to give supporters every reason to get behind the team, we want to get them excited about coming to watch this team play, and we will be doing everything we can to produce a team that upporters can be proud of.

“That support has always meant so much to us and, at the outset of this campaign, with many new faces at the club, it is important that we get behind the boys and show them what a special club this is to play for.”

Tonight’s game sees Bohs renew acquaintances with Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell, who got the better of Bohs when in charge of St Pat’s in the FAI Cup final in November.

Long said: “Dundalk have undergone significant change in the off-season, recruiting plenty of quality and experience to add to their squad.

“With Stephen back at Dundalk, this time as manager, his team will provide us with different challenges but we know we will have to perform to a really high level to overcome those.”

Finally, in a difficult week when Long’s mother sadly passed away, he expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from supporters of the club and the wider football community since.

He added: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank the players, ex-players, staff, supporters, the board and the Irish football community in general for their support in what has been a difficult time for me and my family after the passing of my mam last week. Sincere thank-you to all, it meant so much to us, and provided us with great comfort.”

TEAM NEWS

Bohemians have a full squad to choose from.