Derek Pender puts last year’s cup defeat in the past as Bohs march on in cup

Macdara Ferris reports from Dalymount Park

Last time Bohemians played in the FAI Cup, their fans booed the team off as they exited at the hands of Shelbourne in last season’s quarter-final losing 3-0 at Tolka Park. Back then Derek Pender was caretaker Bohs boss and afterwards he called the performance ‘disgraceful’.

On Friday night Bohs supporters’ reaction at the final whistle after their 1-0 win over Shelbourne was in stark contrast to last year’s cup exit.

Their celebrations were only just dying down when Pender, now the first team coach working under manager Declan Devine, spoke to the media beside the Bohs dressingroom were the beats were being blasted out.

And while Pender said the match on Friday wasn’t about revenge against the Reds, the defeat last year to Shels was discussed as part of their preparation for the game.

“We spoke about it this week and about how that game felt,” said Pender about last year’s cup exit.

Only James Clarke, Jordan Flores and Declan McDaid played in both games. In 2022 Flores after the final whistle went to the away section in Tolka Park to talk to Bohs supporters. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said it was a ‘pathetic performance’ from his team.

Leader

“It is a completely different group and you can see it,” said Pender. “Keith Buckley has come back in and he is a massive leader in the dressingroom. He knows what Bohs is and what Bohs means to us all.

“In fairness to all the lads they have bought in to it this year. It is really close knit group and I don't think we could ever question their character.

“Jordan showed his leadership that day and his love for the club. He has stayed. He has been heavily involved in everything that we've done.

“It is brilliant for them (who played both games). It was a hard time for me and I was probably a little bit emotional after it. I did really question them in the dressingroom after. Jordan, Decco and Ali (Coote – who was unused sub on Friday) were there.

“I remember that quarter-final well obviously. It was a difficult time for me,” said Pender about the cup match that came only a day after a sudden family bereavement for him.

Rewards

Jonathan Afolabi was the match winner for Bohs on Friday, heading home a Jordan Flores corner for his fifth goal in five games.  

“We work hard on our corners. It is great for Johnny to get that goal because he gets very little protection and he has been brilliant all year taking a lot of bangs so I'm delighted for him.

“He has been really good and I couldn't be more happier for him as he has been leading the line all season for us. He has come in for a bit of stick when he wasn't scoring at the start of the season but he has worked really hard and is getting his rewards now.

“The goal came from a little move on the goalkeeper and Johnny gets a little bit of space and the ball is amazing and he heads it in.”

Rivalry

It was Bohs’ first win in six league and FAI Cup matches against the Reds. “It was hectic. Shels and Bohs is a massive rivalry. It isn't only now but going back a long time. We haven't beaten them in five but it was coming around.

“We've played well in games even last week down in Tolka. James Clarke could have scored a winner but it didn't happen. We got a (1-1) draw and we came here tonight and we get a great result.”

Europe

Bohs currently sit fourth in the table but that spot is only good enough for European football if one of the top three win the FAI Cup.

The cup is still a potential route for the Gypsies into Europe but it is 15 years since they last lifted the trophy. The draw for the next round of the cup will take place on RTÉ 2FM after 6pm on Tuesday.

“We are fighting for a European place in the league. We won't go away from that. We have a massive game next Friday (home to UCD) and we'll prepare properly for that.

"The cup is special. We were there (in the final) a couple of years ago and the day didn't go our way. It is an amazing competition.” 

No half measures for Duff who rues first 45 minutes that ‘cost us the game’ on night he said ended by being struck by coin https://t.co/PqYCyj09Qrpic.twitter.com/r1hn9uxfxu

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 22, 2023