Sligo Rovers 1 - 2 Bohemians

• Jessica Farry
• Sat, Aug 13 2011


Sligo Rovers’ title hopes were dented at the Showgrounds on Saturday night after Bohemians pulled off a comeback scarily similar to that which they produced the last time they played in The Showgrounds. Two second half goals cancelled out the lead Sligo took in the first half.

Paul Cook was forced to make several changes to the side that drew with Dundalk on Sunday. With Danny Ventre suspended and Alan Keane injured, John Russell had to feature as right back. Bohemians too made several changes to their squad with Sligo native Mark Rossiter dropping to the bench.

Sligo went out all guns blazing in the first half, keen to get themselves off to the perfect start, and that they did. With just 11 minutes passed on the clock, Joseph Ndo took an in swinging corner from the left which Gavin Peers met with his head, smashing it into Barry Murphy’s net.

Aidan Downes was lively for Pat Fenlon’s side but was given little up front as Sligo were dispossessing Bohs at every opportunity. Whatever it is about when these two sides meet, tempers seem to flare. Both Owen Heary and Glenn Cronin picked up bookings in the first half. Bohs had only rare chances which struggled to test Brendan Clarke in the Sligo goals. Youngster Chris Forrester had a pop at goal in the 34th minute but didn’t put enough strength or pace in to it and it was a routine save for Clarke.

There was an air of urgency about The Gypsies when they arrived out for the second half. Keith Buckley hit a strong effort at Clarke but it was just wide of the Sligo goals. About one minute later Ger O’Brien had a go but his effort was blocked by the body of Gavin Peers.

Aidan Downes looked dangerous and he scared Sligo when he came close on the counter attack. He absolutely flew forward with no player around him but, by the time he got close to goal, John Russell caught up and Downes could only shoot wide.

The equaliser came from a controversial decision from referee Alan Kelly in the 75 minute. A Bohemians corner was caught by Brendan Clarke when a penalty was awarded to Bohemians and Matthew Blinkhorn was booked. Killian Brennan converted the penalty, levelling the score.

The ever dangerous Killian Brennan caused panic for Sligo Rovers as his curling effort smacked the Sligo crossbar after it had beaten Brendan Clarke. Aidan Downes, who was lively in the first half, gave Bohs the lead in the 81st minute. He broke down the right wing and looked to have gone too far when Clarke met him, but he passed the ball across the box and it just slipped in.

There wasn’t enough time for a Sligo comeback after Downes gave Bohemians the lead and their mojo was severely dented.

Sligo Rovers: Brendan Clarke; John Russell, Gavin Peers, Jason McGuinness, Conor Powell; Iarfhlaith Davoren (Aaron Greene, 67), Richie Ryan, Alan Kirby (John Dillon, 75), Joseph Ndo, Raffaele Cretaro (Matthew Blinkhorn, 55); Eoin Doyle.
Subs not used: Ciaran Kelly, Derek Foran.

Bookings: Matthew Blinkhorn.

Bohemians: Barry Murphy; Liam Burns, Owen Heary, Ger O’Brien, Aidan Price; Killian Brennan, Keith Buckley (Anto Flood, 82), Ollie Cahill, Glenn Cronin, Chris Forrester (Mark Rossiter, 63); Aidan Downes.
Subs not used: Craig Sexton, Kevin Feely, Roberto Lopez, Gary Burke, Christopher Fagan.

Bookings: Owen Heary, Glenn Cronin, Ger O’Brien.

Referee: Alan Kelly.
Attendance: 1,875.
extratime.ie Man of the Match: Killian Brennan.