League Report: Bohemians 1 - 2 Dundalk FC

Dundalk defeated Keith Long’s beleaguered Bohemians 2-1 at Dalymount Park this evening to remain firmly on track for a third consecutive league crown.

Brian Gartland gave the Lilywhites a deserved interval advantage with his first goal since returning from injury, before John Mountney extended his side’s buffer in the second-half. Kurtis Byrne did set up a grandstand finish with an outrageous first-time drive with 23 minutes left to play, in the end though, Dundalk comfortably prevailed.

The Lilywhites’, with arguably their strongest line-up in weeks completely dominated affairs from start-to-finish with their attacking flair, midfield dynamic and defensive composure blending perfectly on a night where they totally dictated proceedings.

Whereas, Dundalk put in one of their most complete performances in the Stephen Kenny era, Keith Long will be bitterly disappointed by his side’s efforts. They looked in awe of Stephen O’Donnell, Ronan Finn and Patrick McEleney for lengthy periods, and increasingly more nervous defensively as the match progressed. With the exception of a whirlwind period in the second-half following Byrne’s goal, they lacked any sort of offensive inspiration.

The game itself began at a frantic pace with challenges flying in and the irate Gypsies supporters immediately got onto referee, James McKell as a result of some fairly robust challenges from the visitors. Stephen O’Donnell being the main protagonist.

However, the Lilywhites swiftly settled into the ascendency following the fairly intense opening. Patrick McEleney and Ronan Finn orchestrated the play with their intelligence and vision on the ball unique, especially seeing as the centre-circle resembled that of a car-park with both sides opting for three in midfield.

The first chance of note fell to David McMillan – the league’s top-scorer cut incisively inside the labouring Derek Prendergast, however, his shot coming in at pace from the left saw former Dublin All-Ireland winner, Shane Supple pull off a breath-taking stooping save.

Prendergast almost atoned for his prior defensive lapse on fifteen minutes. The former Athlone man had two efforts on goal, both from precise Lorcan Fitzgerald deliveries, the first of which stretched Irish third-choice net-minder Gary Rogers to the full. The Bohs fans were now firmly behind their side, however, it was to be their only meaningful venture into Dundalk’s box for the entire opening period.

Thereafter, the Lilywhites dominated as Bohs began to tentatively sit-in with their midfield ceasing to engage the visitors in crucial areas. David McMillan should’ve punished their defensive misdemeanours on 20 minutes. The striker followed in after seeing Dane Massey’s glided free-kick from 20-yards rattle the goal frame at the Des Kelly end, although under no pressure, he drove well wide.

It was a major let off for Bohs, the signs though were ominous as the Lilywhites’ continued to productively probe with the hosts’ firmly under the cosh. Patrick McEleney and Finn clearly held the key to the break-through.

The game needed a goal and it arrived emphatically midway through the half. Brian Gartland, as menacing as ever, surerbly volleyed John Mountney’s corner-kick, high into the net with Supple given no chance. The defender looks in fine health and as physically primed as ever and if his performance tonight is anything to go by, the Lilywhites clean sheet record will multiply rapidly.

Bohs offered very little as an attacking threat with Dundalk continuing to monopolise their attacks. Chances presented themselves for Gartland and Massey from set-pieces as Dundalk pummelled the Dalymount side’s back-four in the closing first half minutes. Dundalk led 1-0 at half-time.

The Lilywhites continued their ultra-impressive display after the interval. They were slick, pacey and entertaining. Their one-touch, pass and move mantra was extraordinarily effective on the night, while their cutting edge attacking approach yielded myriads of chances and efforts on goal. Bohs continued to struggle.

The inevitable second goal arrived 20 minutes after half-time. A disputed drop-ball by the referee saw Stephen O’Donnell gain possession and typically drive at the goals, before being hauled down by Prendergast. From the resultant free-kick, Mountney fired in for Dundalk from over 30-yards albeit with a deflection off Lorcan Fitzgerald. 2-0, game over, or so it seemed.

In the next attack, Jake Kelly powerfully half-volleyed at Rogers, which the ‘keeper saved and after a scramble in the area from the corner the ball found its way out to Kurtis Byrne, whose incredible first-time shot lifted the roof in the Jody Stand as it arrowed its way into the top-corner. Goal of the Season!

The intensity of the game picked up as a consequence. Bohs smelt blood, Dundalk though continued to play their own game, not fazed by anybody associated with the Phibsborough outfit.

Bohs though lacked quality, although their back-to-front style created chances, Byrne came inches away from levelling with eight minute to go. They did have penalty claims, all of which were turned down by McKell, who certainly isn’t the flavour of the month in Dublin 7.

Despite late pressure, Dundalk easily held out to retain their place at the summit of the table. Bohs remain seventh.

Bohemian FC: Shane Supple; Dylan Hayes, Derek Prendergast, Dan Byrne, Lorcan Fitzgerald; Roberto Lopes, Eoin Wearen, Paddy Kavanagh, Keith Buckley, Dean O’Halloran (Jake Kelly 61); Kurtis Byrne.

Subs not used: Dean Delany (gk), Mark Quigley, Stephen Best, Marco Chindea, Ian Morris, Dean Casey.

Booked: Derek Prendergast (64)

Dundalk FC: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; Ronan Finn, Stephen O’Donnell, John Mountney (Ciaran O’Connor 83), Patrick McEleney (Chris Shields 66), Daryl Horgan; David McMillan (Dean Shiels 86).

Subs not used: Gabriel Sava (gk, Shane Grimes, Paddy Barrett, Michael O’Connor.

Booked: None.

Referee: James McKell

Attendance: 1,700 (est.)

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Brian Gartland (Dundalk FC)