In the Premier Division of the Airtricity League, Bohemians pulled off a 2-1 triumph against Shamrock Rovers, featuring key goals from Ross Tierney and Polish striker Filip Piszczek. Piszczek proved to be the game-changing substitute, netting the decisive goal from a assisting cross by Jordan Flores. His effort was instrumental in securing the precious three points from the Rovers, who are enduring their most inconsistent season under manager Stephen Bradley’s helm.
Neil Farrugia for Shamrock Rovers had initially put the game in their favour, however, his exceptional strike was equalised by Tierney, concluding the half time at a tie. The kickoff notably occurred at 11:30am due to the simultaneous Croke Park concert which law enforcement could not manage concurrently. This unusual timing, however, didn’t deter the 4,436 spectators present at the Dalymount Park.
Post match, the Rovers found themselves still trailing by four points in their quest to qualify for European football in 2025, unless they overcome the impending UEFA Conference League group stages to extend their season in Tallaght indefinitely. Bradley claimed that the morning kickoff was not to be blamed for their performance, and stressed on their need to be ruthless in the final third of the game, as learned from their European experience.
This win provided a breather for the Bohemians, stretching their safety net from relegation to eight points. The match unveiled as a hard-fought albeit imperfect battle. The game seemed stagnant until Piszczek reinvigorated it with his second goal for the team. Amidst the game, Rovers’ Marc McNulty missed early scoring opportunities while Farrugia managed to outdo Kacper Chorazka with a powerful low shot. Referee Paul McLaughlin permitted the continuation of the play despite a foul committed by Patrick Kirk on Darragh Burns, leaving the defence of Bohemians caught off-guard.
Acting in the role of a ‘false nine’, Tierney slipped inconspicuously into the box to balance the score eight minutes later, netting a goal thanks to Dawson Devoy’s scrutinising pass and a handy assist from Dayle Rooney after Lee Grace was taken by surprise by the ball’s bounce.
“That’s simply fundamental defending,” remarked Bradley. “Lee seriously dropped the ball today. His focus was absent.”
In the end, Grace was shown the red card for collecting two yellows.
The customary cheers of a Friday night could have been heard by locals taking a leisurely Sunday walk. This experience might become a new trend; a child-friendly, alcohol-free event, until the stadium’s bars began serving at half-time, thus enhancing the positive atmosphere. One almost anticipated a sudden appearance by Chris Martin for an impromptu performance.
The game quality held up despite Burns firing a shot well over an unguarded goal following a Graham Burke shot parried by Chorazka. Equally, Rooney would surely be questioning his missed opportunity to take Bohs into the lead after a skillfully arched shot around Leon Pohls hit the post and ricocheted off the keeper to safety.
Bohemians were expected to make waves upon the return of Devoy and Tierney, both previous Ireland under-21 players, from British sides in July. Regrettably, plans have fallen short since offering hefty British-style wages to the youthful midfield duo. Surprisingly, this marked their first league victory since the 17th of May.
Doubts surrounding Alan Reynolds’ capacity to sustain competition could be quelled by Bohs securing an FAI Cup win, qualifying for Europe and, no doubt, evading relegation.
Rovers carry heavier burdens. They face impending journeys to Vienna, Belfast and London before we welcome the new year, yet common sense suggested the introduction of Danny Mandoiu and Johnny Kenny would restore the advantage for Bradley’s reigning champions here.
However, logic has been cast aside in the League of Ireland for some months now. In a twist of fate, Flores and Piszczek teamed up in the final six minutes to change the game.
Prior to the international break, Bohs invite Shelbourne, who are chasing the title themselves, to Dalymount the following Friday at the ungodly hour of 7.45pm – a kick-off time unlikely to become a regular fixture.
The upcoming north Dublin derby carries a cautionary note due to an altercation between Reynolds and Shels’ manager Damien Duff preceding the last showdown at Tolka Park on the 23rd of August.
Reynolds confirmed that he and Damien Duff had a discussion on a certain issue. He asserted that such situations often transpire in the football world, and they’ve since moved on from the incident. While indicating that Duff might consider it a big deal, Reynolds stated it wasn’t a significant issue from his perspective.
He expressed admiration for the job Duff has been doing, describing him as a top-tier and invaluable addition to the league. Reynolds acknowledged their disagreement, but mentioned that they’ve had a conversation about it.
Remembering times when managers often had disputes, Reynolds suggested that he’d like to see that competitive spirit return to the league. According to him, the current atmosphere felt insincere, considering they all strive for victory on the sidelines. He expressed that there was no real issue, before grinning and making a playful enquiry about who would emerge victorious in a competition.
The game featured players from both Bohemians: Chorazka; Smith, Byrne, Kavanagh, Kirk (Flores, 81), McDonnell (McDaid 81), Devoy, Clarke (Piszczek, 59), Grant (Greive, 81), Tierney, and Rooney (Meekison, 81). Also, Shamrock Rovers: Pohls; Honohan, Lopes, Grace, Hoare; Watts (Cleary, 80), O’Neill; Burns (McEneff, 80), Burke (Mandroiu, 62), Farrugia, and McNulty (Kenny, 62) were participatants. The game was refereed by Paul McLaughlin.