In the final moments of the match, Ellis Chapman’s goal from his own half secured a 2-0 victory for Sligo Rovers against Bohemians at Dalymount Park. Despite being down to 10 players for the majority of the game, Sligo preserved their lead, largely thanks to goalie Ed McGinty’s exceptional performance.
Bohemians’ keeper, Kacper Chorazka, had moved into the Sligo penalty area in pursuit of an equaliser during stoppage time, following Wilson Waweru’s initial goal. However, his efforts were thwarted when the clearance fell to Chapman, who seized the opportunity to score from considerable distance. His goal rounded the match off in favour of Sligo, marking their third consecutive victory under John Russell, following major wins against Derry City and Shamrock Rovers.
Meanwhile, Bohemians barely managed to avoid the cellar position on the table, with only a four-point lead over Dundalk, despite having two extra matches to play. Their poor run has resulted in just a single win in the past eleven matches. An opportunity to pull ahead early in the game was squandered 11 minutes in, when James Clark’s attempt was thwarted by McGinty, following a quick play by Ross Tierney.
Even though Bohemians dominated most of the game, they were undone by their own mistakes on the 36th minute when Niall Morahan and Stephen Mallon passed the ball to Chapman, who set up Waweru’s opening goal. However, Sligo’s joy was short-lived as Mallon, a former Bohs player, got sent off two minutes later after receiving his second yellow for foul play against Tierney.
As the second half began with substitutes Declan McDaid and Leigh Kavanagh replacing Paddy Kirk and Jordan Flores, Bohemians put increased pressure on Sligo. Despite a valiant attempt, they failed to score, with a notable save by McGinty from a shot by Dayle Rooney. McGinty continued to excel, deflecting a header attempt from James Clarke soon after.
In spite of their best efforts, Bohemians failed to get past McGinty, who made exceptional saves against Tierney, Kavanagh, and Piszczek. Additionally, a game-changing goal was averted by Charlie Wiggett.
A major goal mishap by Simon Power, a substitute player, could have potentially provided some comfort to the visitors but he shockingly overshot at 79 minutes, leaving Chorazka undefended. McGinty once again exhibited stellar performance by blocking a header from Cian Byrne and Chapman’s brief appearance cemented the victory.
Meanwhile, at the Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway United triumphed over Waterford courtesy of a solo goal by Pat Hickey in the first half, making them the victors amongst newly promoted teams.
Dundalk triumphed over Drogheda United with a score of 4-2 at Oriel Park owing to the contributing braces from Daryl Horgan in the second half, leading Jon Daly’s team to a five point advantage over their nearby rivals.
The line-up for Bohemians was Chorazka, Miller, Byrne, Flores, with Kavanagh subbed at half time, Kirk, subbed for McDaid at half time, McDonnell, who was replaced by Meekison at 72 minutes, Grant, replaced by Piszczek at 63 minutes, Clarke, substituted by Greive at 63 minutes, Tierney, Rooney and Akintunde.
Sligo Rovers played with McGinty, Wiggett, Pijnaker, Denham, Hutchinson, Morahan, Malley, who was subbed for Power during half time, Chapman, Mallon, Waweru, replaced by Barlow at 61 minutes, and Fitzgerald.
The match was refereed by Marc Lynch from Galway United.