Bohemians 5 - 0 Galway United

• Gordon Hunt
• Fri, Aug 21 2009


Bohemians ran out 5-0 winners over a poor Galway side in front of Giovanni Trappatoni as they continue their charge to retain the title. Goals from Anto Murphy, Ken Oman, Glen Crowe, Killian Brennan (pen) and Brian Shelley saw Bohs stretch their lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division. The second goal just before the break saw off any Galway threat with Pat Fenlon’s men cruising through the second half, adding three more strikes.

Killian Brennan had an early sight at goal for the hosts, testing Barry Ryan with a low effort from the edge of the area. A few minutes later and Glen Crowe was next to test Ryan. Brennan’s smart feet found space for Crowe on the edge of the area, however his effort was deflected and saved.

Galway were playing some decent football but the greater urgency was by the hosts, with Ndo in particular excelling in a central midfield role.

After seventeen minutes Bohs almost took the lead. Glen Crowe’s cute step over from a harmless pass released Jason Byrne deep in the Galway half. His effort from an angle, however, was palmed onto the post.

The deadlock was finally broken by Anto Murphy after nineteen minutes. Glenn Cronin’s high looping cross could only be palmed by Barry Ryan, with the ball landing at Murphy’s feet right in front of goal- easy finish for the midfielder.

Galway should have been level within sixty seconds, through Vinny Faherty. Derek O’Brien bent a fine low ball in front of Brian Murphy, who could only watch as Faherty’s outstretched leg sliced the ball over the bar from six yards.

However the pivotal moment came just before the break. With Galway only one down, disaster struck as Ken Oman rose highest to powerfully head in Killian Brennan’s cross during the only minute injury time.

Bohemians came out flying in the second half. As Galway pushed forward, Fenlon’s side could exploit the massive gaps with ease. Two minutes after the break Ndo’s surging run through the middle resulted in Bohs’ third. Glen Crowe peeled off the left as Galway were outnumbered and Ndo calmly played in the striker to slot home.

Both sides brought on fresh legs however the game played out the same: Galway pressed up - Bohs looked dangerous on the counter.

In the eighty second minute, as the hosts got many men forward, Anto Murphy found space in the Galway box. Turning towards goal, Mark O’Toole hauled him down, allowing Killian Brennan to step up and make it four.

The rout was completed with a minute remaining. Brian Shelley’s fine control and mazy run left the Galway defence flat footed, and he slotted in the fifth.

Man of the Match: Joseph Ndo

Bohemians: Murphy, Heary, Powell, Cronin, Shelley, Oman, Murphy, Ndo, Crowe, Byrne, Brennan Subs: Madden, Byrne, McGuiness, Fenn, Gregg

Galway United: Ryan, Conneely, O’Toole, Breen, Guthrie, Russell, Faherty, Murphy, O’Brien, Kelly, Davoren Subs: Fitzgerald, McBrien, Green, Molloy, Hanley