Bohemian Football Club Crest

@bfcdublin Bohemians were forced to soak up plenty of pressure from a Dundalk side in flying form on Friday, but still managed to earn all three points with fantastically well taken late goals from Ger O’Brien and Anto Flood, Cillian Shields reports.

Despite the home side hitting the ground running, it didn't long for Bohs to assert themselves. With the game only six minutes old, Killian whipped in a corner for the visitors.

Aidan Price leapt and managed to send the ball across the face of the goal, where Christy Fagan was waiting to convert his fourth goal in his last three league games. 

With a spring in the Gypies’  heels, Traynor managed to collect a pass on the right wing shortly afterwards. After a lay-off to Keith Buckley, a cross was sent into the box towards Fagan.

The ball was headed clear but not totally out of danger, as Brennan found the opportunity to unleash a snap-shot, which could well have doubled the advantage if not for a good block. 

Bohs showed good control in the first half, overall in command of the midfield and allowed the Lilywhites very little space to attack.  

Price gave the home crowd a reason to shout for penalty claims in the latter stages of the second half, when the ball wasn’t controlled properly and seemed to have hit off his hand. The referee adjudged any contact to be minimal and accidental, and the game continued with no decision taken. 

Once the second half began though, Dundalk came out roaring. O’Brien had the ball nicked from him on the right wing and the home side were looking to take full advantage. A cross was hit to Mark Griffin, whose fine headed effort was just above the crossbar. 

As the home side were enjoying much more possession in the second half, they also created a lot more openings in the Bohs defence. Daniel Kearns and Quigley were particularly problematic for Ollie Cahill, Liam Burns, Price and O’Brien, but nevertheless the Gypsies’ defence held strong and were able to deal with everything thrown their way. 

One cross that was sent in from Dundalk’s right proved especially difficult for O’Brien to deal with, as he unintentionally forced a fantastic save from Murphy between the Bohs posts. The resulting corner was dealt with well by Bohemians. 

That lapse aside, O’Brien was outstanding throughout, winning plenty of headers in the Bohs box and completing tackles on his right hand side to dispel danger.  

The one time the otherwise strong Bohs defence allowed themselves to be breached, Mark Griffin took full advantage. Dundalk’s wing play proved successful for them with 11 goals in their previous two games, and this time Ross Gaynor provided Griffin with the chance to head the ball into the corner of the net. 

Dundalk were rejuvenated by the equalising goal, and posed much more dangerous threats to the Bohs goal, as they attempted to find a winning goal.  

Glenn Cronin wore the captain’s armband for the evening in the absence of Owen Heary, and the midfielder deserved the honour for his excellent play in the centre of the park.

As Kearns was striving forward, Cronin stopped the pacey winger in his tracks just at the halfway line. The tackle was an important one, as the winger had team-mates in support and plenty of options to choose from.  

After being forced to endure plenty of pressure from a persistent home side, Bohs created a break in the form of O’Brien on the right wing.

The defender collected the ball, and in typical O’Brien fashion, began to run towards the opposition goal with intent.  

As the space opened up, O’Brien decided to shoot. The powerful effort found the corner of the net, with Peter Cherrie totally helpless in goal.

The away players and fans alike were sent into delirium, as the great reward for their excellent defensive efforts finally arrived, with less than ten minutes remaining. The goal was Ger’s first for the club, coming the night before his27th birthday. 

Within five minutes of going ahead, Bohemians then doubled their lead, with Bisto Flood sending a similar strike to O’Brien’s into Dundalk’s net. The home side were too rattled and stunned as Bohs easily held on for the 3-1 victory.