In a fierce north-side derby at Tolka Park, Bohemians revitalised their season with a strong performance, toppling long-standing leaders Shelbourne from the Premier Division’s apex. An early goal by Danny Grant put Bohemians in the lead, which was swiftly neutralised by Ali Coote. Despite not having won in their last ten league games, this result puts Bohemians four points out of the relegation play-off’s grasp.
Shelbourne, without a win in four consecutive league matches, has now lost the top spot to Derry City. Derry City’s 1-0 triumph against Waterford due to goal difference put them to the top, bringing an end to Damien Duff side’s five-month domination, even though they do have a game in hand.
A powerful shot by Dayle Rooney was thwarted by Shane Griffin in the opening minutes of the game, indicating Bohemians’ initial advantage. A pass to James Akintunde from the winger, who was played onside by Paddy Barrett resulted in a wasted opportunity when the shot went wide.
However, Barrett made amends by courageously blocking a shot from Grant after the winger’s swift move in from the left. This move ensured Bohemians retained their initial momentum. An excellent opportunity resulted in a lead goal at 13 minutes, with Grant coordinating with left-back Paddy Kirk to outmaneuver both Mark Coyle and Barrett, subsequently deflecting the ball to the net off Conor Kearns.
A minute later, Shelbourne capitalised on Bohemians’ poor start, equalising after a series of errors. Goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka, having moved too far from his line, made the goal vulnerable to a clever chip by Ali Coote, who, realising the dire situation, scored from 20 yards. This goal injected new life into Shelbourne’s game, marking the beginning of their first spell of prolonged possession.
Kearns was next up to defend the goal, with a somewhat clumsy attempt to parry a free kick by Dawson Devoy. His defenders managed to clear the impending danger. Kearns got lucky when he miscalculated a cross from Smith, but the Bohemians were unable to capitalise, and Grant’s subsequent shot flew over the crossbar.
In similar circumstances, Shelbourne couldn’t take advantage of a blunder on the opponent’s side just as half-time neared. Cian Byrne’s less-than-stellar defensive head resulted in the ball landing directly in Coote’s possession, who then opened up Matty Smith. However, Chorazka skilfully parried Smith’s shot, bringing the lively first half to an end.
The game livened up again five minutes into the second half when Coote adeptly managed Barrett’s lengthy ball to outwit both Liam Kavanagh and Kirk and then challenged Chorazka at the base of his left-hand post. Bohemians regained control and had Shelbourne in a spot of bother at the 74-minute mark. Coyle boldly blocked Kavnagh’s powerful shot after centre-back comrade Cian Byrne had headed a free-kick in his direction.
Subsequently, Kearns had to demonstrate his skills to fend off Grant, substitute players Filip Piszczek, and James Clarke. Despite their efforts, Bohemians were unable to secure the long-overdue victory they had played so well for.
The players for Shelbourne included Kearns; Gannon (Bone 87), Barrett, Griffin, Wilson: Lunney, Coyle (Tulloch 87); Coote (Caffrey 66), Smith (Martin 74), Wood (Burt 66); O’Brien. On the other hand, the Bohemians’ team comprised of Chorazka; Smith, Byrne, Kavanagh, Kirk; McDonnell (Clarke 82), Devoy; Rooney (McDaid 90+4), Tierney, Grant; Akintunde (Piszczek 72). The match was officiated by referee Damien MacGraith from Mayo.