- Patrick O'Connor
- Sat, Mar 18 2023
Patrick O’ Connor reports from Dalymount Park
Bohemians extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to three points with a 2-1 win over a stubborn UCD side at Dalymount Park on St. Patrick’s Day.
Over 4,000 fans, mostly home supporters, watched a lively encounter between these two sides, and they saw a result that leaves the home side in top spot and the Students still rooted to the bottom of the table as we head into the international break.
Bohs were sluggish in the first half and although they had most of the possession it was no great surprise when they conceded a goal as early as the 12th minute.
Right back Grant Horton was caught out of position following a Bohs attack, and when UCD played the ball to Danu Kinsella Bishop along their left wing he strode forward unopposed and beat James Talbot in goals with a well struck shot to the bottom right-hand corner.
It looked like the home side had equalised in the 32nd minute when Ali Coote pulled a ball back from the end line for Jonathon Afolabi to strike home from five meters out. However the goal was correctly disallowed, the ball having crossed the end line before Coote made contact with it.
Coote was also central to the final and main talking point of the first half when he missed a penalty on the stroke of half time.
A cross into the box from the Gypsies saw UCD keeper Kian Moore unnecessarily leave his line to collect a loose ball but, in his efforts to claim the ball, he bundled James Akintunde over and referee Rob Harvey had no hesitation awarding the penalty kick.
Coote took responsibility for the spot kick but his effort was rather embarrassing to say the least, he blasted the ball so high it cleared a tall building behind the goals and ended up in the car park leaving the Students 1-0 up at half time.
Bohs did up the intensity early in the second half and drew level with an excellent goal in the 10 minutes in.
An intricate passing move along their left flank saw stand in captain Adam McDonnell (nominated captain Jordan Flores was withdraw immediately prior to kick off) back heel the ball into the path of Paddy Kirk and the left back struck a sweet shot past Moore with his weaker right foot for a great goal.
Declan Devine’s side effectively sealed the victory two minutes later with a second goal before UCD had time to recover from the equaliser.
Coote was the main player again in this move; he beat three defenders as he slalomed through the heart of the visitor’s defence before taking the ball wide of the advancing Moore and sliding into an empty net for a great goal.
Bohs dominated the game after taking the lead and could have added at least two more goals but they found Moore in excellent form in goals and he denied Afolabi and substitute James Clarke with top class saves late in the second half.
UCD did not really threaten much after they fell behind and although they emptied their bench the fresh legs were unable to have much of an impact, although Daniel Norris did look dangerous whenever he got the ball on the right wing.
The experience and fitness of the full-time outfit saw Bohemians manage the game well up to the final whistle in the 95th minute and their supporters were in full voice leaving Dalymount Park to continue the rest of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Bohemian FC: James Talbot, Grant Horton, Krystian Nowak, Kacper Radkowski, Paddy Kirk, Declan McDaid, Adam McDonnell, James McManus, Ali Coote (Dean Williams 85), James Akintunde (James Clarke 83), Jonathan Afolabi (John O Sullivan 89)
Subs not used: Luke Dennison, Drew Baker, Jay Benn, Keith Buckley, Adetobi Jinadu.
Booked: Declan Devine (48), James Talbot (74),
UCD: Kian Moore; Daniel Babb (Donal Higgins 75), Harvey O'Brien, Adam Wells, Jack Keaney, Brendan Barr (Harry O Connor 89), Danu Kinsella Bishop, Mark Dignam (Daniel Norris 75), Ciaran Behan, Dara Keane (Divine Isekor 75), Alex Nolan.
Subs not used: Lorcan Healy, Ryan Bowden, Sami Clarke, Jake Doyle,
Booked: Adam Wells (35), Andy Myler – Manager (45), Danu Kinsella Bishop (48), Willie O Connor – coach (48), Jack Keaney (58)
Referee: Rob Harvey
Attendance: 4.017
Extratime.com Player of the Match: Kian Moore (UCD)
