League Report: Bohemians 1 - 0 Dundalk

Rory Merriman reports from Dalymount Park

Bohemians recorded their second consecutive win this evening with a morale boosting 1-0 victory over a substandard Dundalk.

A cagey battle in Dalymount park saw Bohemians secure yet another win under Alan Reynolds despite the absence of captain fantastic Jordan Flores after he picked up a yellow card in Tolka Park last Friday resulting in a suspension.

Following the recent departure of Stephen O’Donnell from the Lilywhites, Dundalk are under the guidance of Liam Burns and Brian Gartland on an interim basis, still on the hunt for their first win of the season.

The uneven green baized surface and the stiff breeze blowing in the direction of the Des Kelly Stand had quite an influence on Bohemians’ football in the first half with very little action taking place in their forward line.

Posing as a lone striker upfront for the Lilywhites however, was a resolute and unwavering Jamie Gullan who tirelessly tested the Bohs defence to no avail as Reynold’s men kept life simple for Kacper Chorazka in the home net, keeping the ball out of harm’s way.

Leading Bohs in defence was American born Aboubacar Keita on loan from Colorado Rapids. The 6’2 yank stuck his head in challenges where most people wouldn’t put their legs, muscling the visiting forward line off possession all through the first half.

Despite not having much to do in the opening 45 minutes, no nonsense defender Andrew Boyle made his presence known acting as a stonewall defender in the indomitable Dundalk backline.

Daryl Horgan dominated possession down the right side of the field, exhibiting excellent heads-up football, picking out passes and creating opportunities that Dundalk simply couldn’t capitalize on when it came to the final third.

Following a scramble of possession in the bohemian box, a scrappy ball fell to the feet of Robbie Benson who fired the ball over the bar from close range, standing as the closest effort either side got on goal in the first half.

With the breeze now blowing in their favour, the home side came out after the break roaring in contention mounting the pressure on Dundalk from the first whistle.

A brace of excellent saves from George Shelvey kept Dundalk in the game when a long-range effort from James Clarke was fisted away and a volley from Cian Byrne teed up from close range was snubbed by the outstretched keeper.

Momentum certainly favoured the home side when the deadlock was finally broken with a swung in cross from Dayle Rooney, in what looked like a set piece free kick from the right edge of the box connected perfectly with the head of impact sub, James Akintunde to fire it into the visiting net.

The Jodi Stand jumped to their feet, finally with something to cheer about going one up against the Lilywhites with ten minutes to play.

The final whistle echoed around a packed out Dalymount park with a scoreline that read 1-0 to Bohemians. The perfect result for Reynolds and his men, recording their second consecutive victory following their three-point steal in Tolka Park on Friday.

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Cian Byrne, Aboubacar Keita, Patrick Kirk, Michael Lilander; James Clarke (Oluwaseun Akintunde 64), Dylan Connolly (Declan McDaid 64), Adam McDonnell (Brian McManus 90), James McManus, Martin Miller (Dayle Rooney 46); Filip Piszczek (Sten Reinkort 82).

Subs not used: James Talbot, Jevon Mills, Luke Matheson, Daniel Grant.

Booked: Adam McDonnell (22), Filip Piszczek (28), Sten Reinkort (84).

Dundalk: George Shelvey; Mayowa Animasahun (Louie Annesley 46), Andrew Boyle, Zak Bradshaw, Archie Davies; Robert Benson (Eoin Kenny 90), Paul Doyle (Dara Keane 73), Scott High, Daryl Horgan, Robert Mahon (Ryan O'Kane 60); Jamie Gullan.

Subs not used: Ross Munro, Hayden Muller, John Mountney, Koen Oostenbrink, Samuel Durrant.

Booked: Mayowa Animasahun (21), Paul Doyle (35), Louie Annesley (79).

Referee: Eoghan O'Shea.

Attendance: 4,045

extratime.com Player of the Match: Aboubacar Keita (Bohemians)

Eoin Wearen: 'They bought into our ideas and what we're trying to do, and there is a lot of change' https://t.co/Mefau4RsEDpic.twitter.com/V5RDfzPtBL

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