Bohemians capped a rollercoaster season with a predictably unpredictable performance – going down 4-1 to the Airtricity League runners-up, the impressive Drogheda United in Dalymount, writes Kevin Fagan.
A hat-trick from Drogheda native Tiernan Mulvenna condemned the Gypsies to their worst defeat of the season, but still a respectable 7th place finish.
Despite the disappointing defeat, the reception given to Aaron Callaghan and his men after the final whistle was rousing, with the Bohs faithful showing their appreciation for what has been a truly entertaining season. In classic Bohs style, there were highs and lows, but overall, the feeling at the end of the game was positive on a bitterly cold night in Dublin 7.
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In truth, the defeat could have been much worse, with the visitors missing a number of guilt-edged chances in a rare, frail defensive performance from Aaron Callaghan’s men. Andy Mulligan kept his place in the side after his impressive display against Bray last week, but he was given little to work on in a frustrating night for the home side going forward.
Two out of the three Drogheda Brennan brothers started for United, with Ryan and Sean roaming around the Dalymount pitch reminiscent of their older sibling Killian in his pomp. Ryan had the first two efforts on goal – the first was saved by Greg Murray in the Bohs goal, while the second was blocked by BFC Player of the Year Evan McMillan.
It wasn’t a great night for Murray, who had a terrible time with his kicking all night. A scuffed clearance in the 16th minute went straight to Tiernan Mulvenna, who found Ryan Brennan at the back post, but his shot went wide. Drogheda took a deserved lead on 24 minutes. Paul Crowley’s long ball split the Bohs defence, and Mulvenna ran through to finish smartly over Murray to send the Drogs fans in the Des Kelly Stand wild with delight.
Bohs’ first chance arrived on the half hour mark. Neat play between Ryan McEvoy and Derek Pender sent Mulligan through on the left flank. His low cross found Dinny Corcoran, but the striker couldn’t get enough on the finish. Mulvenna really should have doubled Drogheda’s lead five minutes before the break. A sweeping move set Sean Brennan through in behind the Bohs defence. He crossed for Mulvenna, but the striker scuffed his shot wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
But the Drogs man wasn’t to be denied. In the 44th minute, another well-worked, flowing move set Alan Byrne in on the right. This time, Byrne’s his cross found Mulvenna with his shooting boots on, and Drogheda led 2 – 0. However, instead of going into the break 2 down, Bohs gave themselves a glimmer of hope in first half stoppage time. McEvoy’s clipped ball looked to be going into Gabriel Sava’s hands, but a challenge from Dinny Corcoran meant the ball ricocheted out to Evan McMillan. Bohs top scorer made no mistake, firing home to make it 2-1 on the stroke of half time.
Drogheda boss Mick Cooke must have given his side a real rollicking for their pre-half time slip, as the visitors came out all guns blazing in the second half. It wasn’t long before they had regained a two goal advantage. A soft goal from a Bohs perspective, Alan McNally headed home from a near post Sean Brennan corner. Drogheda looked every bit the second place team heading for Europe next season. Bohs struggled to come to terms with the Louthmen, even when playmaker Keith Ward came on.
Mulvenna completed his hat-trick and sealed the game for Drogheda with twenty minutes remaining. Greg Murray capped what could only be described as a nightmare display by spilling sub john Sullivan’s cross into Mulvenna’s path, and the striker bundled home his third, and Drogheda’s fourth.
Unfortunately for Mulvenna, the match ball may have to be delivered to the Mater Hospital, as he was stretchered off with a suspected serious ankle injury soon after. The dreaded leg brace came out for the stricken forward, who was warmly applauded off the field by both sets of fans. The game petered out after that, with the Bohs fans coming to life in the final few minutes.
That so many stayed after the game to applaud off the players and staff after such a disappointing defeat is a testament to the achievements of this young side in 2012. Here’s to 2013, and the continued Rise of the Red and Black Revolution.
Bohemians: Greg Murray, Owen Heary, Evan McMillan, Kevin Feely, Derek Pender, Andy Mulligan (Karl Moore, 46), Stephen Traynor (Keith Ward, 46), Michael Barker, Keith Buckley, Ryan McEvoy, Dinny Corcoran (Dave Scully, 76). Subs not used: Andy McNulty, Roberto Lopes, Kevin Devaney, Dylan Connolly.
Drogheda United: Gabriel Sava, Stephen Quigley, Philip Hand, Alan McNally, Derek Prendergast (Jason Marks, 87), Ryan Brennan, Paul Crowley, Brian Gannon (John Sullivan, 24), Alan Byrne, Tiernan Mulvanna (Johnny Breen, 87), Sean Brennan. Subs not used: Michael Schlingermann, Cathal Brady, Conor O’Keefe.
