Bohemians secured their spot in the Extra.ie FAI Cup quarter-finals after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Longford Town. After a dramatic week both on and off the pitch Longford Town travelled to Phibsboro with nothing to lose and certainly pla
Bohemians secured their spot in the Extra.ie FAI Cup quarter-finals after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Longford Town.
After a dramatic week both on and off the pitch Longford Town travelled to Phibsboro with nothing to lose and certainly played like it. It was all the visitors who dominated the opening exchanges frustrating both home fans and players alike.
The excellent Dean Byrne had a good chance from the edge of the area, but shot straight at James talbot. As the half grew on, Bohs began to settle thought they had taken the lead with a half hour played.
James Finnertys back post header looked to have crossed the line, before being scrambled behind. Neither official came to a decision as the players celebrated, but the corner was eventually given, as chants of “VAR” rang around Phibsboro.
The Gypsie faithful were treated to one of the misses of the season, as Danny Grant’s low cross was somehow turned wide by the unmarked Danny Mandroiu as Bohs finished the half strongly.
Just after the break, Lee Steacy pulled off one of the saves of the season, showing incredible reactions to deny Danny Grant who poked the ball goalwards from Danny Mandroiu’s whipped cross.
The end-to-end encounter somehow remained nil all, with thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping. Firstly, James Talbot got down sharply to stop Aaron Dobs powerful strike, before Steacy again brilliantly denied Andre Wright with a fingertip save from a powerful header back across goal.
Daire Doyle's troops were gifted a golden oppertunty to progress when Luke Wade-Slater bundled over Anto Breslin in the area. Up stepped Sam Verdon, but could only smash the outside of the post with his spot kick as Dalymount breathed a huge sigh of relief, as extra time loomed.
The Gypsies took the lead just after the re-start for extra time when Andre Wright expertly turned home with a first time effort from a low cross, but Longford equalised almost immediately through Jack Doherty who hit the top corner from the edge of the area.
After a tense penalty shoot-out, James Talbot saved Lee Stacey's strike, Longford's sixth and final penalty, to secure the 5-4 victory at Dalymount Park.
