Bohemians 0 - 3 Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers enjoyed a comfortable victory at Dalymount Park, as they managed to overcome a Bohemians team in an entertaining encounter. Their three-nil win means Sligo continue their perfect start to season while Bohs still only have one win to their name.

The Bit O’Red got off to an explosive start when they took the lead after two minutes.  An excellent cross from Ross Gaynor was not cleared away by Roberto Lopes in the Bohs defence. His poor control in the box allowed former Bohemians man Raffaele Creataro finish from close range.

Sligo looked like champions in the early stages of the half as only some desperate defending kept the scoreline at 1-0. It took until the 17^th minute for Bohs to get their first chance. A slick passing movement found David Mulcahy in shooting range outside the box. However, his shot lacked the necessary power required to trouble Rogers in the Sligo goal.

On 25 minutes another former Bohemians man almost doubled Sligo’s advantage. Evan McMillan’s header was saved smartly by Dean Delany in the Bohs goal.

One minute later Bohemians had their best chance of the half. Derek Pender slipped a great ball through to Kevin Devaney but the striker lacked composure and blasted his shot into the side netting.

On the half hour mark another player that once lined out for the Gypsies came back to haunt his former employers. Aaron Greene struck a stunning shot from outside the box which left Dean Delany with no chance and sent the faithful travelling band of Sligo supporters into raptures.

Bohs did have a chance to pull a goal back before the break but Ryan McEvoy’s long-range effort went just wide.  

Bohemians were forced into a change at half-time when their skipper Owen Heary who appeared to be carrying a knock was replaced by Stephen Paisley.

After the excitement of the first-half the opening exchanges of the second half were quite tame in comparison as perhaps the Baltic conditions started to take their toll on the players. The first chance of the second half arrived after 71 minutes and it produced Sligo’s third goal. Cretaro was the creator as he crossed to an unmarked Anthony Elding to head home from close range.

The Gypsies needed a moment of magic and Ryan McEvoy almost provided it on 74 minutes. His shot from outside the box had Gary Rogers worried but although the keeper dived a save was not required as the shot drifted wide.

The game in truth was over as a contest as the third goal saw many Bohs fans head for the exits and the warmth of their homes.

The Gypsies continued to look for a goal but Sligo saw out the remaining minutes with ease with Liam Martin almost making it 4-0 in injury time.

This was to be the last chance as Sligo set down a marker and again showed that any potential challengers will find it difficult to wrestle the league title back from the West.

Bohemians: Dean Delany; Derek Pender, Owen Heary (Stephen Paisley 46), Roberto Lopes, Luke Byrne; Karl Moore (Dave Scully 60), Ryan McEvoy, David Mulcahy, Stephen Traynor, Keith Buckley (Darragh Hanaphy 83); Kevin Devaney.
Subsnotused: Greg Murray (GK), Shane Murray, Ciaran Nangle, Michael Baker.

Bookings: Stephen Traynor (87).

Sligo Rovers: Gary Rogers; Alan Keane, Evan McMillan, Jeff Henderson, Ross Gaynor; Aaron Greene (Pascal Millien 80), Lee Lynch, Ryan Connolly (Kieran Djalili 65), David Cawley; Anthony Elding, Raffaele Cretaro (Liam Martin 88).
Subsnotused: Ciaran Kelly (GK), Iarfhlaith Davoren, Marty Owens, Hugh McFadden.

Bookings: David Cawley (90+2).

Referee: Graham Kelly.
Attendance: 1,386
Extratime.iemanofthematch: Raffaele Cretaro (Sligo Rovers).