THE SANTRY DEW

It was a January Day, at Santry 2001
All through the bitter cold and gloom, a miracle was spun
The famous bould Bohemians, though down by 1 to 4
With the greatest comeback ever seen, bate the Rovers 6 to 4

There was less than half an hour to go, and the Bohs were still 3 down
So the weepin’ and the wailin’ then, was heard in Dublin town
But when the final whistle blew, the hoops were in a fix
For on that hour they were still 4 an’ the Bohez they had 6

Oh, what a legend there was made , Oh, what a glorious dream
To see such a score, the Dalymount Roar, was back on full mainstream
But best of all, as we watch football, in years not encountered yet
What will give the boys the purest joys, is ,it was Rovers that were bet

The ghost Captain Cannon, now, and ‘’Blind’’ White can be seen
When is recalled the great football, of 28′s famous team
And like the Celts an’ Hun And the 7-1, on that day of renowned endeavour
The famed 6-4, ever-more, is on history’s page ………Forever

By Jer O’Leary at Gaffneys, No. 5 Fairview Green – 30/1/2001

The goal-scorers, Karl Moore and Jason Byrne (pictured), had been on the bench more often than starting in recent weeks, and Heary is delighted how they and Dave Mulcahy took their responsibilities when they were called up.

“They’re three experienced players and it was great to see how they stepped up to the plate.”

The EA Sports Cup tie two weeks ago, when Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians 2-0 at Dalymount, has little bearing on Monday’s match, Heary believes.

“It will be a totally different game, with different teams out. We’ll put that earlier result out of our minds. That was a cup game, a one-off, and we’ll concentrate on trying to get the three points.”

Those points would help bring Bohemians towards a finishing position in the top half of the league. “If we win and other results go for us we’re right back in the hunt for a Setanta Cup spot, and that’s the aim for us for the rest of the season,” said Heary.

But Bohemians are struggling with injuries and suspensions, particularly affecting their defence. Anto Murphy (ankle) is likely to be out for 6-7 weeks. Derek Pender was battling flu when he played on Friday and Steven Beattie, who was drafted into the back line on Friday, is suspended following his sending-off. Left-back Jack Memery is ruled out due to exams.

Roberto Lopes is suspended for accumulated yellow cards. However, his midfield partner of recent weeks, Eoin Wearen, returns from his one-match suspension. Dinny Corcoran took a knock against Drogheda United, but should be fit for selection.

Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com

The game began quietly with the ever busy Gary O’Neill having the first shot on goal for the away side but it flew over. Bohemians were looking every bit the side who had not scored in their last three games but just before the fifteenth minute they produced a wonderfully worked goal.

A nice ball out of defence by Dan Byrne found its way to Dinny Corcoran in the centre circle who played an inviting through ball past the retreating Drogheda defenders and into the path of Karl Moore. Jason Byrne was calling for it at the far post but the winger had only eyes for goal as he powered it past Michael Schlingermann and to the roof of the net.

After being the provider, Corcoran then set about getting on the scoresheet himself and came agonisingly close on two occasions. First, a Mulcahy pass saw the former UCD man hit a lovely turning volley which beat the keeper but cannoned off the crossbar. Next, a whipped corner from Moore found the striker lurking in the six yard box but his header could only find the frame of the goal.

Bohs would then miss another glorious chance to double their lead a minute into the second half. Some trickery on the right wing saw Kevin Devaney charge into the box, his powerful cross could only be parried by Schlingermann into the path of Moore whose scuffed shot came towards Byrne diving forward with his head not more than two yards from the line. Many in the Jodi Stand were celebrating only to see the Drogheda keeper emerge with the ball in his hands.

The men in red and black then seemed to lose their initiative and United playing in all white seemed to sense their oppostion’s nervousness and looked to take advantage. They did just that after forcing a corner shortly after the hour mark. Gavin Holohan’s ball was punched away but directly into the path of Brennan who coolly finished inside the box.

It seemed that Bohs were doomed to repeat the same story at Dalymount that they have endured all season with missed opportunities in front of goal costing them valuable points. However, Moore wasn’t done for the evening and less than five minutes later the Gypsies would regain the lead.

Dan Byrne brought the ball out from defence and attempted to play in the wide man charging down the left, the pass was slightly over hit and Alan McNally seemed favourite to clear but Moore’s desire won the day as he emerged with the ball after a wonderfully timed tackle. He then had the presence of mind to pick out Jason Byrne at the back post. It’s been a long goal drought for the former Cardiff forward but he reminded us all why he’s one of the best strikers to ever grace our league as he thundered his shot into the far corner.

The game had not been a particularly truculent affair but with seventeen minutes remaining something spilled over between Beattie and Brennan on the right touchline. The Drogheda man went down clutching his face after it appeared the makeshift right back had raised his hands.

Anthony Buttimer’s eyes had been on play but his fourth official had clearly seen the full incident and advised the referee to dish out a red card apiece. The two offenders verbally continued their row as they exited the field and both managers will be furious over losing two valuable players to a long suspension for such indiscipline.

The sending off seemed to disrupt the visitor’s rhythm more than Bohemians’ and while there were a few nervous moments in the penalty area as the game entered its final moments, Byrne’s goal proved to be the decisive one.

So after three games without a win and a goal, Bohs return to form just in time for Monday, when they entertain Shamrock Rovers in Phibsboro for the second time in a fortnight.

Bohemians: Dean Delany; Steven Beattie, Dan Byrne, Aidan Price, Derek Pender; Kevin Devaney (Keith Buckley 90+1), Roberto Lopes, Dave Mulcahy, Karl Moore; Dinny Corcoran (Adam Evans 85), Jason Byrne (Ryan McEvoy 78). Subs Not Used: Aaron Shanahan (GK), Jack Memery, Jake Hyland, Craig Walsh.

Drogheda United: Micheal Schlingermann; Daire Doyle, Alan McNally, Ciaran McGuigan, Shane Grimes; Peter McGlynn; Cathal Brady (Declan O’Brien 72), Gavan Holohan, Gavin Brennan, Carl Walshe (Gareth Brady 85); Gary O’Neill. Subs Not Used: Paul Andrews, Paul Crowley, Sean O’ Connor, Roy Kireans, Dylan Connolly.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork)

Mr Green Man of the Match: Karl Moore

Tickets can also be bought in advance from Dalymount Park during office hours or  from Offside football clothing shop in Temple Bar (4 Fownes Upper Fownes St, opposite Central Bank).

Heary said: “We dominated the game up there in May, had loads of chances, but they got the goal. Obviously with Eoin Wearen and Anto Murphy out, other players have a chance to step up and fight for a place in the team.”

After doing all-but score against UCD last Friday, Heary believes the team just need a bit of luck as they strive for a second home league win of the season. “We played very well, but just didn’t take our chances. The longer the game went on, the more frustrated we got in front of goal.

“These things happen in games – the positive thing is we kept a clean sheet – but we were still disappointed that we didn’t take our chances and win the game comfortably. ”

The Bohs manager is hoping his side can find confidence in front of goal after a difficult period in which his side drew blanks against Derry (0-4), Shamrock Rovers (0-2), and the Students (0-0).

“We’ll keep plugging away. We’ve proved earlier in the season that we can score goals. The good thing is that we are creating chances (as against UCD), so hopefully we can take a few and come away with the three points on Friday.”

Despite the difficult run, Heary has been pleased with the support from the fans, who have been extremely positive throughout the season. “The fans have been great. Although it’s a totally different atmosphere (away to UCD), they saw we were dominating the game and I think they were happy that we were just unfortunate in front of goal and that was it.”

Bohs will have to plan without in-form midfielder Eoin Wearen, who is suspended after picking up four yellow cards. Also unavailable is Anto Murphy, who dislocated his ankle against UCD. Heary is hopeful that a scan today (Thursday) will reveal no ligament damage, and clear Anto to return in six weeks.

Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com