Bohemians went some way towards avenging last season’s FAI Cup final defeat with a well-earned three points at home to St Patrick’s Athletic in front of a bumper crowd at Dalymount Park.
Stephen Mallon’s brilliantly-taken second-half goal was enough to earn victory in another high quality and, at times, feisty affair.
Both teams came flying out of the traps and it was the visitors who thought they made the dream start when Tunde Owalabi smashed home with just three minutes played, only to see the assistants flag raised.
The game was played at blistering pace with Kris Twardek a constant threat down the right wing, and had a snap-shot at the near post well saved just moments later.
READ MORE
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.
