Following four successive league draws, Keith Long was looking for an elusive win, and picked an attacking starting line-up with Jake Kelly and Keith Buckley on the wings, flanking Karl Moore in a no.10 role behind Izzy Akinade. Perennial pest Christy Fagan led the line for Pats, and had the first chance, but his goal-bound effort was struck right into the face of Dave Mulcahy – a typical block from the Kilkenny man. Missing Greg Bolger and Killian Brennan, Pats were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession, and Bohs got the breakthrough on 14 minutes.

Jason McGuinness was in a foul mood all night, and chopped down Akinade about 40 yards out on the Jodi Stand side. Lorcan Fitzgerald’s free kick wasn’t the best, and was headed out towards Eoin Wearen on the opposite flank. Wearen’s cross was inch-perfect, landing just over the heads of the Pats defence onto the left foot of Anto Murphy. The defender did well to keep the shot down, and such was the power that it flew past Conor O’Malley before he could move. The hundreds of German fans in attendance nodded in admiration at the atmosphere created by the 2055 fans.

Bohs continued to press forward, with the hassling of Akinade, Buckley and Kelly proving too much to handle, especially for James Chambers in the Pats midfield, who simply didn’t look to have the fitness or sharpness to be playing at this level. Three times Bohs broke toward the Pats goal in a 3 on 3 situation, but the final pass let them down each time. Then, just before half time, Lorcan Fitzgerald’s free kick was somehow not nodded in by Mulcahy, who was less than 3 yards out.

Half-time entertainment included a welcome visit from Johnny Logan, and a fluent German speech from Bohs PRO Brian Trench to the German visitors. My Deutch isn’t what it used to be, but the warm applause from the Germans in attendance signalled that they sincerely appreciated the gesture.

As mentioned above, ex-Bohs defender Jason McGuinness seemed determined to earn some cards. Pats’ first set piece of the second half was swung in and headed away by Dave Mulcahy – who McGuinness simply kung-fu kicked in the head. If it was anywhere else on the pitch, a straight red card would be mandatory, but referee Robert Harvey went for the yellow. McGuinness didn’t hang around, taking out Akinade as the Nigerian skipped past him on the edge of the box. A second yellow in the space of 3 minutes, and McGuinness was invited to head back to the away dressing rooms.

Bohs made the game safe just after the hour mark. Akinade was brilliant in the air all night, this time flicking it on to Jake Kelly cutting in from the right. Kelly played it to Karl Moore, and his shot cannoned down off the crossbar, over the line, and back out. The eagle-eyed referee’s assistant signalled the goal, and three points were secured.

Bohs could easily have added to their tally, with Fitzgerald, Moore and Jason Byrne all having late chances. Pats could easily have lessened their representation on the pitch – Fagan (no relation) should have walked for a lunge on Akinade by the corner flag. Bohs head to Sligo next Saturday aiming to keep the pressure on. Pats need 4 points from their last 4 games against Drogheda, Cork, Sligo and Galway.

Bohemians: Dean Delany, Dylan Hayes, Dave Mulcahy, Anto Murphy, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Keith Buckley (Dan Byrne, 90), Roberto Lopes (Jason Byrne, 81), Eoin Wearen, Jake Kelly (Aaron Ashe, 88), Karl Moore; Ismahil Akinade. Subs not used: Kealan Dillon, Adam Evans, Robbie Creevy, Lee Steacy.

St. Patrick’s Athletic: Conor O’Malley, Ger O’Brien, (Ian Morris, 37), Jason McGuinness, Shane McEleney, Ian Bermingham, Conan Byrne, Jamie McGrath (Jack Bayly, 78), James Chambers, Sam Verdon (Morgan Langley, 68), Aaron Greene, Christy Fagan. Subs not used: Michael Hannigan, Darragh Markey, Paul Rooney, Pat Jennings.

Mr Green Bohemian Man of the Match: Karl Moore

“Since the summer break we have been a little bit easier to play against and we have to find again that steel and determination we had. If we do that, and play with a bit more fluidity there are goals in this team.”

Following last week’s Leinster Senior Cup semi-final, which Bohemians lost on penalties, they face “another tough game” against St Patrick’s.

As for displacing Pat’s from fourth place, “mathematically, it’s still possible, but they have a game in hand and it’s going to be very difficult,” said Long.

“All we can do is to try and win the game on Friday night, which won’t be easy, and take care of our own performances over the remaining four games.”

Long is again missing the injured James O’Brien (ankle), Derek Prendergast (calf), Stephen Best (thigh) and Jason Caffrey (illness). But Jake Kelly returns, having been cup-tied last weekend, and Anto Murphy, who was out for the last two league games, has done full training all week, and is available.

Stephen Best has publicly committed himself to Bohemians for next season, and manager Long is working on securing other key-pieces of the 2016 squad.

For the present, however, his main focus is on getting the most out of the rest of this year’s campaign. “We want to finish the season as strongly as we possibly can,” he said.

“In previous rounds we have been able to give younger players some game-time and that’s the way a lot of clubs would treat this competition. But it is a chance for silverware, and we’ll approach the game in the manner that we’ve done throughout the season and we’ll be going all-out to try and win the game.”

Bohemians have this season kept up their good record of recent years against Shamrock Rovers, with a win at home and a draw away in the league.

“But records and form count for nothing when the next game comes around. We will have to concentrate on getting our performance right on Friday. It’s a head-to-head and we’ll see who comes out on top,” said Long.

Dave Mulcahy returns from ankle injury and Keith Buckley from suspension. Jake Kelly is cup-tied and James O’Brien (ankle) is ruled out. Anto Murphy (groin) has been training but may not be fully fit. Stephen Best (quad strain) and Derek Prendergast (knock in training) are expected to be available.

Bohemians have won the Leinster Senior Cup 31 times, more than any other club. These wins stretch back to 1893-94, the second time the competition took place. Bohemians also won the cup in the five following years. They got to keep the trophy, which is displayed in Dalymount Park.

Bohs last won the Leinster Senior Cup in 1997-98. In this 125th anniversary year, a 32nd win would be especially welcome.

“We have a responsibility to ourselves and to the club to put in a performance every time we cross the line. The players have been reminded of that this week” said Long.

“We have to show respect for the league too. Every club below us is scrapping for points and we’ve got to make sure we’re fully committed in each game.”

Last Friday’s draw against Longford Town was a “missed opportunity”, according to Long. “With a full complement of players, we could have gone and won that game. It’s difficult to implement what you’re trying to do when you’re down to ten men and the momentum of the game changes.”

Bohemians’ work-rate and commitment in games have not weakened in any way, and midfielder Keith Buckley has set an example in that respect.

“He has become something of a legend in the club because of his travelling exploits [on bicycle] to and from Dalymount Park and I like how he has connected with the supporters,” said Long.

“He is very influential for us. His honesty and his work-rate are there for all to see. But I also want to see, as he develops, that the final pass becomes better.

“We’ve seen glimpses of that this season, like the pass he played against Shamrock Rovers in the build-up to our goal which he might not have played previously.

“But if we are looking for someone that epitomises the club at this time, we need look no further than Keith.”

The Bohemian manager was disappointed that the referee last Friday “put himself under pressure with soft yellow cards early in the game” but he was also disappointed that Buckley made a rash tackle when he was already on a yellow.

Buckley serves an automatic suspension this weekend. Anto Murphy is again sidelined with a groin injury along with James O’Brien who picked up a knock in training.

Dave Mulcahy is also doubtful having gone off with an ankle injury last week. Derek Pender and Marc Griffin, the long-term injured, remain out.

Dan Byrne returned to the matchday squad last week after nearly 18 months out of the game with a knee injury, apart from a very short interlude earlier this season. He has been in full training for three weeks, but is still building full strength and confidence to make him ready for a return.

“It has been very tough for Dan but I hope we’ll see him back in the team before the end of the season,” his manager said.

On the half hour mark Bohs got the games first shot on target courtesy of Akinade. A flick on saw him race between Longford’s centre half pairing but with the angle against him he cut back inside only to see his shot end up in the keepers arms.
Soon after Buckley found himself on the wrong side of the referee and was shown a second yellow. This would prove to be the catalyst for the game and within a minute of Buckley’s sending off the Gypsies found themselves in front.

Man of the match and former Birmingham City player Paddy Kavanagh picked the ball up just inside the Longford half and began one of his trademark runs. With space at a premium he cut inside three Longford men and unleashed a powerful left foot shot from all of twenty five yards which the Longford keeper could only watch nestle into his net.

However, the home sides joy was to be short lived as Longford got themselves back on level terms shortly after from a corner kick. The Bohemians defense could only watch as Haverty’s looping header came off the underside of the bar and in to the net. The goal was greeted with loud cheers by the boisterous Longford contingent.

The second half proved a stalemate as Longford were happy to sit back and hit Bohs on the break. Paddy Kavanagh proved to be his side’s best outlet and came close on a couple of occasions with some mazy runs. In the end a draw seemed a fair result although the Gypsies will feel the loss of Buckley early on cost them three points.

Next up for the Gypsies is a trip to face Drogheda United on the 25th of September, kick-off 7.45pm.

With a week off competitive football, due to a disappointingly early exit from the FAI Cup, Bohemians have Jake Kelly (hamstring) fully fit but Anto Murphy (abdomen) is a doubt for Friday. Murphy “put his body on the line”, when he played through pain in the Tallaght draw two weeks ago.

Bohemians’ defence kept Shamrock Rovers to a single goal despite missing stalwarts Roberto Lopes and Derek Prendergast through suspension. Both return this week, though the manager must sit out his second game in the stands, completing a two-game suspension.

Bohemians’ long-term injured – Derek Pender, Dan Byrne and Marc Griffin – remain out.

Partly through necessity, some squad members have had game-time in recent weeks after months on the bench. Dylan Hayes and Jason Caffrey have had chances and Long will aim to give these and others game-time between now and the end of season.

“Dylan has come into the team and done well. I was pleased how he played against Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers. We’ll take it one game at a time but I’m sure there will be opportunities for players between now and the end of the season to make a claim for next year,” Long said.

“There are six games left, and there is a bigger picture, but our goal is to get the maximum points from the remaining games. We’ll do whatever it takes to achieve that but we’ll also have one eye on what might take shape for next season.”