Bohemians manager Keith Long says a wonder goal changed the complexion of the game after their 2-0 win over UCD on Friday night. The result lifts Bohs joint-first in the early Premier Division table, as they prepare to welcome their biggest rivals,
Bohemians manager Keith Long says a wonder goal changed the complexion of the game after their 2-0 win over UCD on Friday night.
The result lifts Bohs joint-first in the early Premier Division table, as they prepare to welcome their biggest rivals, and fellow table toppers, to Dalymount on Monday.
But things might have been different had Jason McClelland finished a chance for the hosts inside forty seconds. He was set up by Neil Farrugia, but he pushed the effort wide.
From there, The Gypsies began to find their rhythm, but it took a moment of real class from Danny Mandroiu to unlock the College defence.
"I don't think you're going to see a better goal this year," Long told our reporter Peter Branigan afterwards.
"The ball manipulation by Danny Mandroiu," he continued, " the close control, the technique to finish in the manner that he did... an unbelievable goal.'
"There wasn't a lot in it in the first-half, I don't think. UCD probably should score inside two minutes, and that puts a different complexion on the game, completely.
"We grew into the game. We started to put our foot on the ball, work decent openings, combinations in the final third, particularly out wide.
'Keith Ward down that side (the left) combining with Mandroiu, combining with Dinny Corcoran.'
The second-half was a more close run affair, as Bohs sat back a bit, and invited The Students onto them.
But James Talbot was more than equal to anything thrown at home, making a particularly impressive save against McClelland. He also pushed a Conor Davis chance around the post.
For Long, it was a case of job done.
'We wanted to try to get the third goal, to make things easier for us.
'But I think it was pretty comfortable second-half. James had one save to make, which he did well.
'The game got a little bit open, a little bit scrappy. Maybe we tired a little bit.
'But it's another clean sheet, six points, and we move into the big game against Rovers on Monday.'
Bohemians can go into that game with huge confidence, having won three of their four clashes with The Hoops last season.
You have to go back to May 2017 for the Tallaght club's last victory, but Long says derbies are not like other games.
'Monday will be a completely different challenge for our players. It'll be a real baptism of fire for some of the boys.
'The intensity of the derby is unparalleled, really. If they're in any doubt as to what this league is about, they'll find out on Monday night.'
What a game that promises to be.
