Bohemian Football Club Crest

@bfcdublin Good Friday saw an incredible comeback victory for Bohemians when, 1-0 down and half-time, they beat Sligo Rovers 2-1 in The Showgrounds. This week, lightning managed to strike twice as Bohs pulled off the exact same result in the exact same fashion, Cillian Shields reports.

Bohs boss Pat Fenlon rang in the changes from last week’s derby disappointment against Shamrock Rovers, with Aidan Downes, Ollie Cahill and Chris Forrester all included in his starting line-up at the expense of Christy Fagan, Mark Rossiter and Robert Bayly.

Sligo came running out of the traps and started the match comfortably. Their intent to win all three points was made clear from the off, and only 10 minutes in, former Gypsy Conor Powell won a corner off Owen Heary.

Joey Ndo, another ex-Bohs player, swung the corner in to meet the head of Gavin Peers, who was able to knock the ball into the back of the net.

It was a goal very similar to Bit O' Red defender's winner in last last year’s FAI Cup semi-final  in Dalymount Park.

Shortly afterwards, Iarfhlaith Davoren almost played striker Eoin Doyle through, but his cross had just a bit too much behind it and Doyle was unable to take advantage.

For the majority of the first half, Sligo were quick and found little difficulty in breaking down Bohs' attacks.

Despite this, the Gypsies were able to find the odd opening. Forrester had an effort quite easily saved by Sligo keeper Brendan Clarke with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

Jason McGuinness, yet another ex-Bohs man, began a move from his central defensive position late in the first half. The ball ended up at the feet of midfielder Alan Kirby, whose effort was saved by Barry Murphy.

As the second half began, Bohemians looked the brighter side. Keith Buckley had one shot on goal and Ger O’Brien was claiming for a penalty, insisting his effort was was blocked by Peers' arm.

Downes came on off the bench last week against Shamrock Rovers and obviously made an impression on Fenlon, who rewarded the striker with a place in the starting line-up.

And he was on form again on Saturday night as the former Everton youth managed to get the better of the Sligo offside trap and began closing in on goal. Rovers defender John Russell was caught up with Downes, who chose to shoot from outside of the box but dragged his effort wide.

Things were looking brighter for the Gypsies, who have been having dreadful luck of late, as the pendulum swung back in Bohs’ favour.

In the 75th minute, Bohemians had a corner kick, and after it was dealt with by Clarke, referee Alan Kelly pointed to the spot.

Matthew Blinkhorn was adjudged to be the guilty party and was shown a yellow card for impeding on Heary. Brennan expertly hit the spot-kick into the top corner of the net and all of a sudden, it was game on.

Brennan had a fantastic night and his confidence showed minutes after scoring the penalty when he found himself in possession just outside the Sligo box.

He had the trickery to turn and find space and unleash a fantastic curling
shot that had Clarke beaten. But  the Drogheda native was denied what would have been one of the goals of the season by the crossbar.

Very soon after this, with Bohs fans’ and players’ tails up, Downes again managed to beat the offside trap. Beginning his run from the right wing, he collected a pass and attacked Clarke’s box as fast as he could.

Clarke came out to meet the Bohs striker but Downes side-stepped him, almost taking the ball out of play in doing so. The angle looked an impossible one to make anything from, but the 23-year-old somehow managed to tuck the ball into the net.

After this, Bohs were able to hold onto the lead and sealed another three points. Bu for Sligo, the loss put a bad dent in their title hopes, although there is plenty of time to recover as the Bit O’ Red look to go on to win the league.

Up next for Fenlon’s men is a friendly game against Premier League outfit Everton on Monday night in Dalymount Park, 7.45pm. The Toffees are bringing over their first-team players to keep them fit and fresh ahead of Saturday's game against QPR after their opening day fixture against Tottenham was postponed due to the London riots.