Special derby win leaves Watts on Cloud Nine

“Special, special,” was how Man of the Match Dylan Watts described Bohemians last gasp 2-1 victory in a Friday the 13th classic at the Tallaght Stadium.

“It was my first Dublin Derby,” laughed the Leicester City loanee, who starred in the Bohs’ engine room, “and to get a last-minute winner is unbelieveable, indescribable.”

Although Keith Long’s men had to wait until injury time to grab the lead goal, courtesy of full back Darragh Leahy, the Phibsboro side were full value for their second league success of the campaign over Shamrock Rovers. 

“It was tough conditions out there today – a heavy pitch,” confirmed Watts, who headlined a positive midfield showing by Bohs, in which Keith Ward and Danny Grant also impressed. “We all gave 110%. We battled right to the last minute and it was well worth it,” said Watts, a product of St. Kevin’s Boys, who joined Leicester from SSE Airtricity League First Division side UCD.

Watts was centrally involved in midfielder Dan Byrne’s vital 69th minute goal, which equalised Dan Carr’s first half lead goal for the Hoops. Watts’ precision cross from the right was calmly slotted to the bottom corner on the volley by Byrne. 

“I know Dinny’s (second half sub Corcoran) very good in the air,” smiled Watts. “I kind of got an angle on it. I whipped it in and thankfully Danno’s there to finish it.” 

That strike sparked some crowd disruption in the away end, which ironically contributed to the nine added second half minutes, during which Leahy latched to a right wing cross from the busy Grant, after Ward’s persistence had created the opening. 

Cue delirious Bohs celebrations. They won’t have much time to dwell on this famous victory. They line up at the Brandywell in three days’ time. Watts is matter of fact. “Recover Saturday, Sunday and then go again in Derry on Monday.”