Sold out over two weeks, excitement palpable, smell of chips in the air, one of the biggest rivalries in Irish football, Bohs versus Rovers at the home of Irish Football. And, what a way to get the most anticipated domestic season in recent years u
Sold out over two weeks, excitement palpable, smell of chips in the air, one of the biggest rivalries in Irish football, Bohs versus Rovers at the home of Irish Football.
And, what a way to get the most anticipated domestic season in recent years underway! A niggly affair unfolded taking some time to get going but the game came to life when Dinny Corcoran found himself with five yards of space inside the box from a Ward corner.
Bohs top-scorer from last season, seemed to have too much time, wildly swinging his left foot, making no contact. The Gypsies were made to pay for the glaring miss when the visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute.
Greg Bolger floated in a free kick from midfield, Gary Shaw won the initial header and Graham Burke produced a spectacular overhead kick that left Shane Supple with no chance.
Unfortunately for the midfielder, his effort rebounded off the post to the grateful Ronan Finn who volleyed home with his left foot.
Bohs started the second half much better and should have equalised minutes into the half. Corcoran laid off well to Ward, who stumbled through a couple of challenges but dragged his shot wide of the near post, should have hit the target at least. The introduction of Eoghan Stokes coincided with the home side building some momentum and in the 73rd minute got the equaliser they deserved.
Dan Casey's bullet header levelled things up as Dalymount began to rock. Not resting on their laurels, Bohs pushed forward for another. Supple's long clearance was well flicked on by Brennan and Kavanagh raced clear, hammering home past the helpless Horgan.
Two became three minutes later when Dan Casey got his second of the game, looping his header over Horgan, who was caught in the middle of nowhere, after Grace made a mess of his clearance. It finished 3-1 to the home side as chants of "We are top of the league" rang around Dalymount.
