Bohemians finally secured a European spot for next season with a hard-earned point in the Dublin Derby with St. Patrick’s Athletic. James Finnerty saw red in the second-half as the Gypsies held on, thanks to some outstanding defending from the whol
Bohemians finally secured a European spot for next season with a hard-earned point in the Dublin Derby with St. Patrick’s Athletic.
James Finnerty saw red in the second-half as the Gypsies held on, thanks to some outstanding defending from the whole team and a wonder save from James Talbot but in the end, a 0-0 draw was enough to get over the line, in probably the surprise storyline of the season.
Bohs star Danny Grant, reflected on a whirlwind week, in which the winger played a starring role in the surprise win against Dundalk, then receiving International recognition being called up to Stephen Kenny’s U-21 side and now putting in a shift in helping his side get the job done.
“Unbelievable feeling. It was a tough slog out there tonight. The game plan was to let their center halves have the ball and spring forward, similar to the Dundalk performance, but it was an unreal shift by us all. I’m absolutely dead on my feet!” said the talented Dubliner.
“I think many people said that we’d struggle at the start of the season, but this been a goal for the lads all year. With the belief in the group and the talent in the squad we knew we could challenge and we’ve done that and thankfully have something to show for it, just unbelievable.”
Grant joined some familiar faces from the league in Stephen Kenny’s U-21 squad, in a very proud moment for the teenager. As is the case with many newcomers into a squad, there is often an initiation process, usually the newbie will have to stand on a chair and sing a song, but the quite relieved winger was lucky enough to escape……..this time.
“It was good to get that individual recognition if I’m honest, bit disappointed that I didn’t play obviously, but it was still a great experience play with some of the unreal players in that squad.
"But look, it’s a foot in the door, good to get my name is in the mix and hopefully I can kick on and get back into the squad again in the future, but its all about tonight and getting into Europe.”
Remaining ever the professional, Grant added that after the game and tonight’s celebrations the squad will be fully focused on next week and finishing on a high at home to Sligo Rovers.
“It will probably be a bit of a party atmosphere next week at Dalymount, but we were just saying it in the dressing room that we want to finish strong, get third place and finishing that high, that’s just the type of dressing room it is.
"Finishing third will also bring that confidence going forward, keep our momentum going and hopefully help with our seeding. So we’ll be focused on all three points.”
