Bohemian Football Club Crest

The spotlight may have been beaming down on Bohemians going into the opening match of the new Airtricity League season, but they coped well with the pressure.

By starting at home against Dublin neighbors Sporting Fingal, the Premier Division champions were given a tough early test. So it was hardly surprising that a single goal settled the affair.

Pat Fenlon handed first starts to Barry Murphy, Steven Gray and Mark Quigley, while Gareth McGlynn and Raffaele Cretaro came off the bench to experience their first taste of playing in the black and red stripes at Dalymount Park.

A good-sized crowd turned up for the season opener and that could be a sign of things to come as the hard work that Bohs have been doing within the local community looks like it is starting to pay off.

And while they turned up to see the league champions in action, they will have appreciated that it was only the first game of what will be a long campaign, so the sharp passing and quick link-up play was not yet up to speed.

Of course, there were many positives to take from the game, including the performances of Murphy, Gray and Quigley, who should prove to be crucial signings this season.

Paul Keegan once again showed why he is the best midfielder in the country with a steady display in the centre of the pitch alongside the hard-working Glenn Cronin – a player who will be eager to nail down a first-team place this term.

Owen Heary, Brian Shelley and Conor Powell were all solid (it is very rare that they make mistakes), while Anthony Murphy and Paddy Madden played their part too.

But Fenlon will know that more is still to come. Sporting had their fair share of chances on goal, but luck was on Bohs’ side for this game after they were awarded a penalty in the second half that Killian Brennan fired in to cap off a fine individual showing.

It was cruel blow for Liam Buckley’s side and they will surely be seeking revenge when the teams meet again, but for Bohs it was a winning start and that is all they wanted from the opening game.

Next up is a Setanta Sports Cup clash with Glentoran before travelling across the River Liffey to take on UCD in the league.