Bohemians pulled off a massive result beating double-winners Dundalk and in so, ending their high-flying opponents 31-game domestic unbeaten run that stretched all the way back to April. And remarkably, in doing so, now just need a solitary point in
Bohemians pulled off a massive result beating double-winners Dundalk and in so, ending their high-flying opponents 31-game domestic unbeaten run that stretched all the way back to April.
And remarkably, in doing so, now just need a solitary point in their next two games to secure a European spot for next season.
Boss Keith Long was understandably delighted with the night’s showing and felt it was a deserved victory. “We played really well, the execution of the game plan by the boys worked to a tee and felt we were deserved winners.
"Dundalk are a team that can expose you everywhere. They play a fluid game, good rotation of players with excellent movement but we denied them space and the distances between our lines were tight.
"We had to work really hard for the win and mabe could have had a third through Ross Tierney.”
Luke Wade-Slater broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark, before Andre Wright added a second after the interval and having seen Dundalk dominate all the possession as Bohs sat deep, patiently waiting for their moment to pounce and boy, did they strike when the chances arrived.
“First goal was an absolutely magnificent counter attacking goal, three passes and Luke slots it home, beautiful goal. Andre then showed great strength to hold off Sean Hoare, I think it was, and the finish into the corner of the net was a brilliant finish. We had other chances in the second half, and to be honest thought we were comfortable at times.”
With a European spot so close they can almost reach out and touch it, the Gypsies now travel to Inchicore on Friday to take on fellow European chasers St. Patricks Athletic knowing that a point will suffice, but the Bohs boss is taking nothing for granted just yet, but acknowledged just what a great job his players are doing in difficult circumstances.
“Were not quite there just yet, obviously tonight is another huge step in the right direction but we’ll go there and try win the game like we have always done.
"We got a bit of luck last week and results going our way helped but I think we deserved that bit of luck, especially when you look through our injury list.
"Missing our talisman, Dinny Corcoran, for three months of the year. Rob Cornwall who went off tonight, trying to get players back like Conor Levingston and Andy Lyons. I think the players have exceptionally well, especially the young boys, like Ross Tierney just 18 years of age, was magic in there for us in the middle of the park.
"You see Scott Allardice coming in and the way he adapted, not getting much game time but persevered and is getting his rewards,” he said proudly.
Before finishing the 45-year old Dubliner wanted to give a nod to the fans who have stuck by the side all season, despite dips in form and some difficult results and see’s a European spot as much of a reward for them, than his side.
“I think they see just what the players put in and how much it means to play for the club. The crowds have been absolutely fantastic all year, and we really want to get over the line and give them a reward for coming out in their numbers supporting the team.”
