BRAY WANDERERS 0-5 BOHEMIANS
Sometimes, it all just falls into place. After weeks and weeks of toiling in the Airtricity League, struggling for goals, points, and wins, Bohemians managed to put a supreme performance together – and destroyed Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.
A Dinny Corcoran hat-trick, an own-goal, and a Keith Buckley effort gave the Gypsies their third league win of the season, and lifted Owen Heary’s men clear of the relegation places as the league enters a mid-season break, writes KEVIN FAGAN.
Forced into two changes, Owen Heary kept faith with the 4-4-2 formation that worked well in Limerick, with Jack Memery replacing the injured Derek Pender and Kevin Devaney replacing the suspended Steven Beattie.
Devaney and Corcoran formed an instantly-effective partnership, but it was the latter who starred in front of a small crowd on the seaside. The game was just 5 minutes old when it exploded into life. Keith Buckley played a neat one-two with Corcoran, and was almost bearing down on goal when Robert Maloney dragged him down. Paul McLoughlin pointed to the spot, and Dinny fired Bohs into the lead. A bit like Dublin buses, the goals decided to all come in quick succession – and Dinny doubled Bohs’ lead after just 10 minutes. A precision Paddy Kavanagh corner was knocked down by Anto Murphy, and Corcoran slid the ball home to send the visiting fans wild for a second time. Eoin Wearen and Roberto Lopes continued their midfield partnership, and it was Wearen who created the third on 26 minutes. His driving run and beautiful through ball left Corcoran one-on-one with Bray keeper Shane Redmond, and he made the decision to take Dinny out. Referee McLoughlin had little choice but to send the Seagulls’ shotstopper off. Dinny dusted himself down and grabbed his hat-trick, a dream first half for the Donabate man. On the stroke of half time he nearly had a fourth, but his shot could only be turned into his own net by Robert Maloney. 4-0 up at half time, it was inevitable that Bohs would take their foot off the gas in the second half, perhaps thinking about their two-week holiday already. Positive performances included the return of Jack Memery, the increasingly solid partnership of Dan Byrne and Aidan Price, and the continued improvement of Eoin Wearen. Keith Buckley is also staking his claim for a regular starting spot, and performed excellently here. He completed the rout on 73 minutes with a neat finish from Paddy Kavanagh’s cross. Bohs can now put their feet up, watch some of the World Cup, and relax in the relative heights of 9th place. Athlone Town await at the end of the break, and a chance to continue a two-game winning streak. Bray Wanderers: Shane Redmond, Shane O’Connor, Eric McGill, Danny O’Connor, Robert Maloney, Adam Hanlon (Shane Byrne, 74), David Cassidy, Dean Zambra, Shane O’Neill, David Scully (Jake Kelly 46), Ismahil Akinade (Gavin Sheridan 25). Subs not used: Cillian Byrne, Niall Cooney, Michael Brown, Gary Curran. Bohemians: Dean Delany, Anto Murphy, Aidan Price, Daniel Byrne, Jack Memery (Jason Byrne, 79), Paddy Kavanagh, Roberto Lopes, Owen Wearen, Keith Buckley, Dinny Corcoran (Jake Hyland 84), Kevin Devaney (Gavin Moore 74). Subs Not Used: Stephen Traynor, Craig Walsh, Ryan McEvoy, Karl Moore. BohemianFC.com Man of the Match: Dinny CorcoranREAD MORE
