In the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, Bohemians climbed to third after a tight victory against Dundalk, who are at the bottom of the table. The crucial goal in their 1-0 win at Dalymount Park came from substitute James Akintunde. Initially scheduled for March 1st at the Phibsborough venue, the game had to be rearranged due to bad weather.
Different managers led both teams at the start of this season. Alan Reynolds stepped in for Declan Devine to coach Bohemians – a change that has brought notable improvement, as seen in recent victories against Galway United and Shelbourne. Meanwhile, Liam Burns and Brian Gartland have taken temporary charge of Dundalk following the dismissal of Stephen O’Donnell the Monday before last.
During the first half, both sides showed determination, although notable opportunities were scarce. Dundalk’s Robbie Benson nearly opened the score 25 minutes in but his effort, off a Daryl Horgan set piece, was pushed over the goal. Just under 30 minutes in, Dylan Connolly, Boh’s skipper, narrowly missed responding to an attractive cross. The first half concluded without any goals.
Fresh players came on after the break for both teams. Dundalk were forced to replace Robert Mahon, who previously played for the Gypsies, with Ryan O’Kane in their frontline when an injury took Mahon out of the match slightly less than 60 minutes in. Subsequently, on 64 minutes, Bohs made a double substitution, bringing on Akintunde and Declan McDaid. McDaid was straight into the action, being stopped twice by George Shelvey from Dundalk; once after a remarkable curling strike and then from point-blank range.
The decision by Reynolds to make changes paid off when Akintunde scored the decisive goal. Assisted by Dayle Rooney, who came on for Martin Miller at half time, Akintunde headed in a free-kick from the right side with just 10 minutes left in regular time.
Despite a determined final effort from Dundalk to level the score, their record of four drawn matches, six losses and no victories means they still trail four points behind their local adversaries, Drogheda United, at the bottom of the premier league table.
The match line-up for Bohemians included Chorazka, Lilander, Byrne, Keita, and Kirk; McDonnell, who was replaced by B McManus in the 91st minute, J McManus; Connolly, replaced by McDaid in the 64th minute, Clarke, replaced by Akintunde in the 64th minute, Miller, replaced by Rooney in the 46th minute, and Piszczek, substituted by Reinkort in the 81st minute.
For Dundalk, the team comprised of Shelvey; Davies, Animasahun (who handed over to Annesley in the 46th minute), Boyle, and Bradshaw; High, Benson (taken over by Kenny in the 91st minute); Horgan, Doyle was replaced by Keane in the 73rd minute, Mahon switched with O’Kane in the 60th minute, and Gullan.
The referee for the match was E O’Shea from Tipperary.