BOHEMIANS 0 – 1 ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
A solitary, scruffy goal from Ciaran Kilduff was enough to bring a buoyant Bohemians back down to earth as the Inchicore side ground out a difficult 1-0 victory in Dalymount Park. The Phibsboro venue saw its largest crowd of the season so far, but the home fans went home disappointed as Keith Long’s high flyers struggled to impose themselves on Liam Buckley’s men.
Indeed, if it wasn’t for the heroics of Dean Delany in goal, Pats could have ran out more comfortable winners. Delany saved his second penalty in three league games, but the Bohs fans’ delight at seeing Killian Brennan fluff his lines was replaced by frustration at the final whistle. However, the rousing reception the team got as they walked off the pitch shows that the home faithful are extremely appreciative of the hard work being put in by Long’s men, writes KEVIN FAGAN. The Bohs boss made just one change from the team that beat Longford Town last week, with Derek Prendergast returning in place of the injured Robbie Creevy. This released Roberto Lopes further forward into the midfield, and brought back the first choice back four that have served Bohs so well so far this season. However, the Gypsies struggled in possession against a disciplined and talented Pats midfield. Bohs disappointingly gave the ball away with a series of long balls early on. Dean Kelly was isolated, and Pats’ defensive duo Sean Hoare and Kenny Browne didn’t have much to contend with. After a sedate opening half hour, the game exploded into life. First, Bohs’ big chance arrived. As has been the case often this season, Lorcan Fitzgerald’s cultured left boot created the opening. His whipped outswinging cross was perfectly judged over the head of the first defender, but somehow, both Dean Kelly and Derek Prendergast couldn’t get a touch onto it. Any deflection would surely have given the Gypsies the lead, but instead, Pats went right up the other end and scored. Chris Forrester played a delicious through ball between Fitzgerald and Prendergast to Conan Byrne. Dean Delany came out and made a brilliant one-handed save, but the ball squirmed through to Ciaran Kilduff, who had the simplest of tasks to tap into an empty net from six yards. It was only the second game in which Bohs have conceded in their first 8, but it proved to be a crucial goal. Bohs were undoubtedly improved in the second half. The play was quicker, the pressing was higher, and the energy was there for all to see. Unfortunately, chances were at a premium. Keith Buckley put in a deep cross to Kelly, but the ball was just too far above the striker’s head. The introduction of Dave Mulcahy added some much needed steel to the Bohs midfield, but it was Pats who had a great opportunity just a minute after Mulcahy’s arrival. Ian Bermingham’s deep cross was mis-read by the Bohs defence, and Lorcan Fitzgerald mis-controlled the ball into Ciaran Kilduff’s path. Fitzgerald tried to make up for the error, but only managed to bring the Pats striker down illegally on the penalty spot. Referee Graham Kelly pointed at said spot, and it looked like Killian Brennan was going to shut the door on Bohs. However, his penalty was casual in the extreme, and was easily saved by Delany to his right. It felt as if a set piece might be Bohs’ best chance of a goal, and so it proved. Again, Fitzgerald provided the cross, and again, it evaded everyone. Prendergast was merely inches from the ball, but it wasn’t to be. Bohs now travel to struggling Sligo Rovers on Monday, and a date with Owen Heary. Bohemians: Dean Delany, Derek Pender, Anto Murphy, Derek Prendergast, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Paddy Kavanagh, Roberto Lopes, Kealan Dillon (Dave Mulcahy, 76), Karl Moore (Adam Evans 52), Keith Buckley (Jason Byrne, 72), Dean Kelly. Subs not used: Lee Steacy, James O’Brien, Stephen Best, Marc Griffin. St. Patrick’s Athletic: Conor O’Malley, Ger O’Brien, Sean Hoare, Kenny Browne, Ian Bermingham, Conan Byrne, Killian Brennan (Conor McCormack, 90 + 1), Greg Bolger, Aaron Greene, Chris Forrester (James Chambers, 74), Ciaran Kilduff. Subs not used: Brendan Clarke, Jason McGuinness, Jack Bayly, Sam Verdon, Morgan Langley.READ MORE
