Bohemians finally got their season underway in an enthralling draw with Dundalk.
Having twice taken the lead through debutant and ex-Lilywhite Jordan Flores and Promise Omochere, the Gypsies let slip their advantage on both occasions as Pat Hoban and Steven Bradley conjured up equalisers.
It has been a long 89 days since the Bohemians faithful saw their heroes kick a competitive ball and, having seen last week’s encounter with Sligo Rovers called off, the excitement and anticipation from players and fans alike was a joy to behold
As has become the norm, there was a high turnover over playing staff, but plenty for the home fans to be positive about with the return of cult hero Kris Twardek and big name signings like Flores and Junior.
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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.
