BOHEMIANS 2 – 0 GALWAY UNITED
Eight goals scored. None conceded. Progression in 2 cup competitions. 6 points from 6 in the league. What’s not to like about Bohs’ 125th year of existence so far? Keith Long’s side continued their dominant start to the 2015 season with a comfortable if a little scrappy victory over newly-promoted Galway United in Dalymount Park on Friday night.
President of Ireland and President of Galway United Micheal D. Higgins was in attendance, and would have made the short trip back to the Park disappointed with the Tribesmen’s performance. Tommy Dunne’s team rarely threatened an impressive Bohemian back line, who had defender Anto Murphy to thank for all three points. A rare brace from the 32 year old kept the Gypsies on top of the fledgling Airtricity League table, writes KEVIN FAGAN. Understandably, Bohs boss Long kept faith with the same 11 that dismantled Limerick in Jackman Park last weekend. The somewhat spoilt Bohs fans didn’t get a goal in the first 90 seconds this time around – they had to wait a comparative age before the opener arrived, this time on 5 minutes! Just like in Limerick, the goal came from a set piece. Having drifted out to the right, Dean Kelly was brought down just outside the Galway penalty area. Lorcan Fitzgerald’s in-swinging left-footed cross found Anto Murphy’s head, and the ball flew in over Galway keeper Conor Gleeson. Bohs almost doubled their advantage on 10 minutes when Fitzgerald sent Adam Evans down the left. His sweeping cross beat the Galway defence, but Dean Kelly could only direct his diving header over the crossbar. All Bohs’ opening half chances came from headers, and Derek Prendergast had the final opportunity before the break, but his downward header was straight at Gleeson, and Galway cleared after the ensuing scramble. Bohs’ performance was definitely below the levels of last week in Limerick, and they struggled to get a coherent passing game going all night. Kealan Dillon was very impressive in the South-west, but couldn’t get on the ball at all in Dalymount and was replaced by Robbie Creevy on the hour mark. Dean Kelly did an immense amount of running, but was beginning to tire when he was replaced by Marc Griffin. Griffin absolutely re-ignited Bohs’ game in the final quarter, and could easily have grabbed a goal or two himself to add to his midweek brace against Athlone Town. First, he was set clean through by a brilliant Derek Pender pass. He never really got the ball out of his feet, and the eventual shot at Gleeson was weak and low. Keith Buckley cut inside and had a dip just a minute later. His shot somehow squirmed out of Gleeson’s hands, but Griffin’s rebound was well blocked down. Substitute Griffin did turn provider for the clinching goal in the 83rd minute. Again, it was a set piece, and again, Anto Murphy pounced. Griffin’s outswinging corner floated all the way to the penalty spot without challenge, and Murphy was able to slide-volley it in from 12 yards. Galway seemed to spring into action for the final minutes. Gary Shanahan should have beaten Dean Delany with a lob, but the Bohs keeper got his fingertips to the ball. Then, in injury time, Shanahan headed wastefully wide from a Jake Keegan corner. Bohs travel to the seaside next week, with Bray Wanderers next in line to challenge the Gypsies 100% record in the league. After that, Champions Dundalk come to Dalymount for a mouth-watering mid-week fixture. It’s still good to be back! Bohemian FC: Dean Delany, Derek Pender, Derek Prendergast, Anto Murphy, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Paddy Kavanagh, Roberto Lopes, Kealan Dillon (Robbie Creevy, 59), Adam Evans (Karl Moore, 90) Dean Kelly (Marc Griffin, 74). Subs not used: Lee Steacy, Jason Byrne, Jake Hyland, Dylan Hayes. Galway United FC: Conor Gleeson, Colm Horgan, Samuel Oji (Padraic Cunningham, 74), Stephen Walsh, Marc Ludden, Gary Shanahan, Paul Sinnott, Alex Byrne (Andy O’Connell, 90), Jason Molloy, Enda Curran (Jake Keegan, 69), Ryan Connolly. Subs not used: Conor Winn, Cormac Rafferty, Aaron McDonagh, Conor Barry. BohemianFC.com Man of the Match: Anto MurphyREAD MORE
