Fenlon hails team character after win
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Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon was full of praise for his players after watching them reach the EA Sports Cup final on Monday.
The Gypsies twice had to come from behind to beat Sligo Rovers 4-2 in a gripping semi-final that needed to be settled in extra-time.
After Matthew Blinkhorn put Sligo ahead and Alan Keane’s penalty cancelled out Neale Fenn’s leveler, Fenlon knew that he had to act quickly in order to keep the game alive. He brought Paul Keegan and Jason Byrne on half-time and that made a big difference.
Bohs were given an advantage when Martin Camaro was harshly sent off, but they had to keep battling to get an injury time goal, which came from the boot of Keegan. It was this type of fighting spirit that delighted the Bohs boss.
“I thought it was a very good game of football. In fairness, both sides tried to play the game,” Fenlon told reporters after the match.
“I thought there was plenty of good stuff in the game – the passing was good, we went forward trying to score goals, and that’s what the game should be about.
“We showed great character tonight and great character on Friday (against Drogheda United).
“We’ve had a hard two weeks and could have done without extra-time tonight, but I think our team showed tremendous character to get back into the game.”
The Gypsies twice had to come from behind to beat Sligo Rovers 4-2 in a gripping semi-final that needed to be settled in extra-time.
After Matthew Blinkhorn put Sligo ahead and Alan Keane’s penalty cancelled out Neale Fenn’s leveler, Fenlon knew that he had to act quickly in order to keep the game alive. He brought Paul Keegan and Jason Byrne on half-time and that made a big difference.
Bohs were given an advantage when Martin Camaro was harshly sent off, but they had to keep battling to get an injury time goal, which came from the boot of Keegan. It was this type of fighting spirit that delighted the Bohs boss.
“I thought it was a very good game of football. In fairness, both sides tried to play the game,” Fenlon told reporters after the match.
“I thought there was plenty of good stuff in the game – the passing was good, we went forward trying to score goals, and that’s what the game should be about.
“We showed great character tonight and great character on Friday (against Drogheda United).
“We’ve had a hard two weeks and could have done without extra-time tonight, but I think our team showed tremendous character to get back into the game.”
About Gareth Maher
Gareth Maher is an award-winning journalist who has covered domestic, international and women's football for the best part of a decade. Previously a columnist for the Irish Daily Mail and Football Editor for Setanta Sports, … View Full Profile