Keith Long: ‘We are delighted for the supporters that we were able to put in the shift that we did and get that result’

Keith Long hailed his team’s performance as “brilliant” as his side’s hard work and superbly taken goals saw them prevail in a 2-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in the big FAI Cup Dublin derby at Dalymount Park on Sunday.

The Gypsies boss believes that his team got the benefits of playing high quality opposition in Europe recently and from a little bit of extra rest compared with their opponents after Rovers played in Europe just three days previously.

“It is a fantastic result for us,” said Long speaking with extratime.com reporter Aoife Mullen after the final whistle in Dalymount. “A Dublin derby between Rovers and Bohs, I don't think there is a bigger game in domestic football.

“It was a big task for us facing Shamrock Rovers - a team of quality. They had a quick turnaround having played a game in Europe on Thursday. That gave us a little bit of an advantage in terms of fresh bodies and minds but they have lots of good players. 

“We have benefited playing high level games in Europe. The group have embraced that and some of our performances in the Aviva were top drawer against some high quality opposition. We felt playing Shamrock Rovers would mirror that type of opposition.”

In front of 800 boisterous Bohs fans, the one remaining roof in Dalymount Park was almost blown off in the celebrations that followed two superbly taking goals by Ali Coote and Andy Lyons.

At the final whistle, the supporters and players celebrated with a bit of Baccara’s ‘Yes Sir, I can Boogie’ blasting out over the PA following a hard fought but well deserved victory for Bohs. Once again, Bohs' young boys played a central part in the excellent Gypsie performances. 

“It was a brilliant second half performance by us,” said Long. “Some brilliantly taken goals. Ali Coote with a fantastic strike. He has demonstrated this year he is capable of hitting the ball from distance. He has a great strike and he finds the top corner not giving Alan Mannus any chance. Andy Lyons got a brilliant brilliant winner.

“He has been brilliant for us at this club. He has come on in leaps and bounds, year-on-year. He is an under-21 international along with Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy. Having three players in that squad is reflective of how we are trying to do our business by bringing young players into the team.”

The game finished with both sides playing with ten men after Georgie Kelly (straight red) and Ronan Finn (second yellow) were sent off after a major flashpoint following Ross Tierney blasting one for Bohs off the Rovers bar. 

“The supporters made such a great atmosphere. We are delighted for them that we were able to put in the shift that we did and get that result. The supporters have got behind us here and in the Aviva. 

“We aren't getting too carried away and we are remaining grounded as a group. The boys have done their job today. Victories don't come easy in derbies.” 

You can listen to Keith Long’s interview in full in the latest extratime.com podcast here.

1 @AoifeThereseM talks to @bfcdublin Keith Long after his sides' win over their rivals Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup (0:58). @AndrewDempsey98 caught up with Longford Town boss Daire Doyle after their weekend defeat & asked if he is worried that losing is becoming a habit (8:04) pic.twitter.com/XnAk1EVynL

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 30, 2021