League Report: Bohemians 1 - 1 Shamrock Rovers

Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers drew 1-1 in their rearranged fixture in the SSE Airtricity Premier League at Dalymount Park on Tuesday night. Derek Pender's excellent strike was cancelled out by Shane Robinson's late goal.

Chances were few and far between in what was a very poor first half. Bohemians had the only real effort of note in the early part of the match in the 8^th minute. Karl Moore took a corner from the right. The ball eventually broke to Dinny Corcoran who showed impressive imagination to try an overhead kick but there wasn't enough power behind it to trouble Barry Murphy.

Both sides were guilty of giving away the ball far too easily in what was a largely forgettable opening first 45 minutes. Shamrock Rovers began to have most of the possession, and as the half went on more of the game was played in their opponent's half but the visitors failed to create any chances.

In fact it was Bohemians who managed to come closest to scoring again on the stroke of half time. After Rovers failed to properly clear a free kick, Keith Buckley played one of the few quality crosses of the game. He picked out Dave Mulchay in the area but the Bohs captain could only head wide.

Bohemian's Paddy Kavanagh had the first shot in anger of the second half. The ball broke to him on the edge of the area. He controlled it and took the shot on but it was high and well off target.

Believe it or not Shamrock Rover's first shot of the game didn't arrive until the 12^th minute of the second half.  It was a long range free kick from Gary McCabe which beat the wall but was too high.

Bohs managed to create an excellent opportunity in the 64th minute. Derek Pender found space on the right edge of the Rovers penalty area. He picked out Mulcahy with the cross. This time his header was on target but Barry Murphy managed to tip it over.

The momentum was with the home team at this stage and they managed to take the lead in the 66^th minute. Right back Pender played a one two with Paddy Kavanagh. He managed to get the better of Jason McGuinness and broke into the away team's penalty area. He struck a fine right foot shot from a narrow angle and buried it into the top of net giving Murphy no chance.

Pat Fenlon's side had a half chance to get back on level terms in the 75^th minute. Dean Delany could only punch his clearance to Gary McCabe who tried his luck from the edge of the area but the ball ended up wide of the target.

However Rovers were given a much better chance to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 83^rd minute. Roberto Lopes was penalised for a tackle on substitute Kieran Marty Waters. Another substitute Dean Kelly took the spot kick. Dean Delany saved it but Shane Robinson got to the rebound first to equalize.

Both sides had chances to win it late on. In the 88^th minute Ronan Finn picked out Dean Kelly from a free kick. Kelly got away from his marker but could only head it wide.

Then just a minute later Bohs nearly won it. Keith Buckley chipped the ball into the penalty area. Stephen Beattie rose highest and his header looked destined for the bottom left hand corner but Barry Murphy managed to stretch out an arm to make a fine save.

After four minutes of injury time the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Pat Fenlon had to settle for a point on his return to his former club, while Owen Heary may be disappointed that his side failed to see the game out after taking the lead.

Bohemians; Dean Delany; Derek Pender, Roberto Lopes, Aidan Price, Jack Memery; Steven Beattie, David Mulcahy (c), Keith Buckley, Karl Moore, Paddy Kavanagh; Dinny Corcoran.
Subs not used; Ryan McEvoy, Jason Byrne, Anto Murphy, Adam Evans, Stephen Best, Paddy Collins, Aaron Shanahan (gk).

Booked; Derek Pender (21),

Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy; Simon Madden, Conor Kenna (c), Jason McGuinness, Luke Byrne; Shane Robinson; Sean O' Connor (Kieran Marty Waters 53), Ryan Brennan (Stephen McPhail 68), Gary McCabe (Dean Kelly 80);  Ronan Finn; Ciaran Kilduff.
Subs not used; Robert Cornwall, Karl Sheppard, Patrick Cregg, Dean Kelly, Craig Hyland (gk).

Booked: Ryan Brennan (65), Conor Kenna (90)

Referee; Paul Tuite.

Attendance; 2,296

Extratime.ie man of the match; Keith buckley (Bohemians).