In a dramatic Extra.ie FAI Cup second round tie, Bohs needed penalties to overcome an excellent Longford Town side in an end to end game that could have went either way. The game was goalless going into extra time before Andre Wright fired home stra
In a dramatic Extra.ie FAI Cup second round tie, Bohs needed penalties to overcome an excellent Longford Town side in an end to end game that could have went either way.
The game was goalless going into extra time before Andre Wright fired home straight from the restart.
“De Town” responded almost instantly through a cracking Jack Doherty strike and that’s how it remained until the dreaded penalty shootout.
Darragh Leahy confidently put his spot-kick into the right corner, despite struggling with cramp as the game came to a close and put in an excellent performance throughout the evening.
“It was tough out there tonight. Even though we knew what they were about, the intensity just didn’t let up for the whole 120 minutes, it was full on, we were both pressing each other and was frenetic from the off.
"It was end to end and we made it hard for ourselves if I’m honest. Their keeper did make some unbelievable saves to be fair. But we showed great character and kept at it.
"It was tough on the bodies, especially those who played on Monday night but we got there in the end and that’s the main thing so we’re all delighted.”
A keen spectator was Leahy’s Irish U-21’s boss, Stephen Kenny, who will no doubt be impressed yet again by the left backs performance both offensively and defensively, as well as having the confidence to step up and take a vital penalty, but the former Coventry man was blissfully unaware of who was in attendance, adding: “I didn’t even know he (Kenny) was here to be honest.
"I just played my game like I always do, and you never know who’s watching so you just have to give it your best like every other game.
"I didn’t really give the penalty too much thought, just cleared my mind and picked my spot and we’re always told don’t change your mind and luckily it went in.
"We're delighted to get through to the quarters like I said, and you never know what the draw will bring but some good teams went out tonight so we’ll wait and see if we get a good draw, hopefully at home.
"But for now it’s all about recovery and get the bodies right for the next game.”
