Report: Derry City 0 - 0 Bohemians
Credit:
Ten men Bohemians survived an onslaught by Derry City to earn a point from a hard fought game where Jason McGuinness saw red after 66 minutes. Goalkeeper Brian Murphy was the hero of the night, saving numerous chances as Derry pushed for the winner.
The home side opened brightly in what was a lively start to the game, however after 15 minutes Bohemians became the more dominant with a number of free kick chances, the best of which fell to former Derry City man, Killian Brennan coming close with a free from 20 yards.
Derry's best opportunity of the half fell to Mark Farren. After some chaos in the Bohs defence, Farren's shot was excellently saved by the Bohemians keeper, Brian Murphy, before Owen Heary was on hand to body block the rebounding shot. The pace of Derry City's forwards started to cause some problems for the Drumcondra side, in particular Thomas Stewart and Niall McGinn.
Killian Brennan was a constant threat to his former employees, and was present in all Bohemians meaningful attacks, however despite the pace and entertaining play, few real goal chances materialised over the first 45 minutes.
Into the second half, Derry City began to apply the pressure and it was the Candystripes who first came close to scoring. On 60 minutes, Ruadhri Higgins sent in a corner and defender Steven Gray was on hand to head the ball just over the Bohemians cross bar.
On 66 minutes, defender Jason McGuinness's challenge on Mark Farren was deemed worthy of a second yellow by referee Richie Winter, and the Bohsman was sent for an early shower.
The introduction of Morrison and Morrow by Derry City, and John Paul Kelly for Bohemians, sparked the next real chance. Kelly broke for Bohs and skipped around a few City defenders, but he was unable to find Glen Crowe. Derry City then broke with pace and Sammy Morrow found himself one on one with Brian Murphy. The Bohs keeper however got some contact and Owen Heary was on hand to clear off the line.
In the last minutes, Brian Murphy was the hero for the 10 men of Bohemians, pulling off a number of excellent saves. In the 86th minute, Morrison drilled the ball across the goal and Murphy pulled off another tremendous save, this time from Gareth McGlynn, and then again Farren was denied by the keeper.
Despite four minutes of added time, Derry failed to break down the Bohs defence. Come the end of the season, Pat Fenlon will leave the Brandywell the happier of the two managers having grinded out what could become a vital point by the end of the season.
Derry City: Ger Doherty; Steven Gray, Kevin Deery, Peter Hutton, Mark McCrystal, Steven Gray; Gareth McGlynn, Ruaidhri Higgins, Ciaran Martyn (Owen Morrison 71), Niall McGinn; Thomas Stewart (Sammy Morrow 77), Mark Farren (Kevin McHugh 89).
Bohemians: Brian Murphy; Owen Heary, Jason McGuiness, Liam Burns, Conor Powell; Anthony Murphy (John Paul Kelly 78), Thomas Heary, Stephen O'Donnell, Killian Brennan; Neale Fenn, Glen Crowe (Harpal Singh 91).
Subs not used: Brian McCarthy, Paddy Madden.
Sent Off: McGuinness (65).
Referee: Richie Winters.
Attendance: 3,729
