- Conor Cantwell
- Fri, May 19 2023
Bohemians maintain a three-point lead over Dundalk after rallying from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against the Lilywhites at Oriel Park tonight.
Krystian Nowak and Ali Coote's second-half goals offset an early header by Patrick Hoban in the third minute and an own goal by James Talbot, which happened after Connor Malley’s shot ricocheted off the crossbar.
A crowd of 2,473 observed Dundalk's first-half dominance, where they showed aggressive offense and solid defense.
An initial attempt by Johannes Yil-Kokko was skillfully saved by James Talbot, but from the ensuing corner, Dundalk took the lead.
Robert McCourt swung the ball to the far post, and captain Patrick Hoban headed it back across the goal's face into the bottom corner.
In the early part of the match, Dundalk controlled the game, frequently targeting Patrick Hoban, who was giving a commendable performance in his duel against Kacper Radkowski.
Throughout the first half, Kris Twardek was repeatedly given the ball down the right for Bohemians, and while his crosses worried Nathan Shepperd in Dundalk's goal, they failed to create any real scoring opportunities.
Archie Davies, Dundalk's full-back, reinvigorated the crowd with an impressive turn as the game went quiet midway through the first half.
Aside from Dundalk's initial goal, there was minimal goalmouth action until suddenly they were two up.
Connor Malley’s long-distance shot crashed against the woodwork, beating James Talbot. Unfortunately for Talbot, the ball bounced back off him and into the net, giving Dundalk a two-goal lead at half-time.
Bohemians started the second half well, gaining greater control in midfield, yet struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.
The game's turning point was Declan Devine's substitutes, particularly Jonathan Afolabi's introduction, which had an instant impact.
Afolabi fought hard down the right to win a corner kick, and from this set piece, Bohemians scored.
In the 76th minute, a corner kick from Flores was met by Bohemians centre-back Krystian Nowak, who headed it past Shepperd in Dundalk's goal.
With three minutes remaining, Bohs were level thanks to an Ali Coote free kick.
Coote delivered the ball for the combination of Flores and Afolabi, though it’s unclear if either touched the ball before Shepperd's last-ditch attempt to stop the goal.
Flores had an opportunity to win the match against his former team, but his header went just wide of the Dundalk goal.
This result preserves Bohemians' three-point lead over Dundalk with an extra game to play. Declan Devine will be pleased with his team's second-half comeback and the significant impact his substitutes had on the game's outcome.
For Dundalk, having been two goals up with fifteen minutes left, this will feel like a missed opportunity. Stephen O’Donnell, however, will focus on the positives from this game, as they gave a good account of themselves once again, even with key players missing.
Bohemians' next league game is at home against Shelbourne, while Dundalk travel to Richmond Park to play St. Patricks Athletic. Both games kick off at 7:45 pm next Friday.
Dundalk: Nathan Shepperd; Archie Davies, Hayden Muller, Wasiri Williams (Cameron Elliott 89); Alfie Lewis (Paul Doyle 72), Connor Malley, Robbie McCourt, Ryan O'Kane, Johannes Yli-Kokko (Daniel Kelly 59); Patrick Hoban, John Martin (Keith Ward 72).
Subs not used: Peter Cherrie, Mark Byrne, Craig Moore, Eoin Kenny, Jake Hough.
Booked: Patrick Hoban (47), Robbie McCourt (67).
Sent off: None.
Bohemians: James Talbot; Keith Buckley, Jordan Flores, Krystian Nowak, Kacper Radkowski; James Clarke (Jay Benn 46), Ali Coote, Adam McDonnell (Patrick Kirk 89), James McManus (Declan McDaid 46), Kris Twardek; Dean Williams (Jonathan Afolabi 75).
Subs not used: Luke Dennison, Drew Baker, John O'Sullivan, Dylan Connolly, Chris Lotefa.
Booked: Jordan Flores (14), Keith Buckley (55).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Neil Doyle
Attendance: 2,473
extratime.com Player of the Match: Patrick Hoban
