Bohemians 1 Dundalk 1, the outcome of an Airtricity League Premier Division game at Dalymount Park. This high-drama game displayed Bohemians having an upper hand but not executing the dominance effectively, causing an exasperating tie. Although they managed to retain ball possession for major parts of the match, Alan Reynolds’ team could not capitalize on an early advantage gained by Ross Tierney.
Their weakness in defence was soon capitalized by Daryl Horgan, previously an international player for Ireland, scoring his fourth goal in five appearances. The rival team, however, could not seize upon the success they tasted in the previous week’s FAI Cup triumph over Shamrock Rovers. Extending their lacklustre performance in the recent games, they’ve only had a single victory in their previous twelve league matches. Dundalk remains four points behind them in the relegation playoff situation.
The game began intensely, with Dundalk’s Mayo Animasahun being lucky to escape with only a yellow card after a rough shoulder charge on Jordan Flores, captain of the Bohemians. Ross Tierney had a missed opportunity when he was hindered by Felix Goddard, the Dundalk goalie, after receiving a long ball from Leigh Kavanagh.
Bohemians were disgruntled as they were denied a penalty when Tierney seemed to be tripped by Daniel Pike. Dundalk had their first scoring opportunity after an exceptionally long back pass by Cian Byrne, with their goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka just managing to divert an onrushing Horgan.
Bohemians upped their attack, but shots from Alex Greive and Tierney were easily collected by Goddard. The sustained pressure resulted in a goal in the 18th minute, thanks to Dayle Rooney’s accurate cross and Tierney’s impressive first-time volleying skills. This was Tierney’s first goal since rejoining the club earlier that summer.
However, the solid pressure from Bohemians continued, with their second penalty request ignored when Martin Miller seemed to have been tripped by Scott McGill.
Despite their significant control of the game, Bohemians made a sloppy mistake, which allowed for an equaliser in the 27th minute. A quick maneuver by Jamie Gullan around Kavanagh down the right led to a generous bounce for Horgan, who confidently drove the ball into Chorazka’s net. Irrespective of this hiccup, Bohemians continued their persistent attack on Dundalk’s goal.
However, their failure to capitalise on abundant chances led to their regret at half-time, as they could have led by several goals at this point. Bohemians’ fans were disappointed midway in the second half when their penalty appeal got ignored, as Dundalk’s captain John Mountney allegedly pushed Tierney, who displayed an impressive game.
Undeterred, Dundalk attempted an unusual attack in the 78th minute through substitutes Jad Hakiki and Robbie Mahon, which unfortunately soared over the bar from the striking distance. Mahon then instigated a commendable save from Chorazka, and Eoin Kenny missed a chance in extra time, leaving Bohemians rueful for unutilized ten corners in the second half.
Meanwhile, in the evening’s only other match, Drogheda United registered their first victory after 11 games by defeating Waterford 2-0 at Weavers Park, narrowing their futures point difference with their neighbouring team Dundalk to three. Waterford’s debutant goalkeeper Louis Jones sadly mishandled a pass from Elicha Ahui to Andy Quinn, causing Frantz Pierrot to gain control and score the first goal for Drogheda. Adam Foley, an excellent addition to the Drogheda team, scored their second goal shortly before the final whistle.
Nevertheless, Bohemians remained resilient with players like Chorazka, Miller, Kavanagh, Byrne, Kirk, McDonnell, Rooney, Tierney, Grant and Greive spearheading their attack.
In Dundalk, the line-up consisted of Goddard; Mountney, Animasahan, Faulkner, Pike; McGill (Hadiki joined in 57′), Dervin; Horgan, Benson, and O’Kane (replaced by Mahon in the 75th minute); Gullan (substituted by Kenny in the 83rd minute). The referee of the match was Eoghan O’Shea hailing from Tipperary. The match drew a crowd of 4,239 spectators.