Bohemians 0
Derry City 1
Aaron Gallagher reports from Dalymount Park
DERRY CITY MADE it two wins from two in Dalymount Park this season as Barry McNamee’s first half strike from close range proved the difference against a Bohemians side which has now lost all three Premier Division games in the month of July.
Despite a late red card for Aaron Barry in the dying stages, Kenny Shiels’ side were full value for their win with McNamee continuing his fine form in 2017 by grabbing his eighth goal of the season.
After a patchy start to the season for Bohemians, three wins from four at the start of May put considerable distance between Keith Long’s side and the relegation pack at the bottom of the Premier Division.
However defeats to Dundalk, Finn Harps and another against Derry in this game mean their safety net has been eroded to just four points above the drop, with the side without a league win in a month.
Derry, meanwhile, put the disappointment of a 2-1 defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic last week behind them to reignite their push for European football next season.
A 4-0 victory against Sligo at Maginn Park put their 10-2 aggregate mauling to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League behind them, however having taken the lead in Inchicore last week they faded after the interval and lost ground on Bray for that elusive third spot with the loss.
Following a lax start to the game where the Candystripes maintained an ever-present upper-hand, Derry exploded the game into life to take the lead six minutes before the break.
A long diagonal ball across the width of the Dalymount surface saw Ronan Curtis bring it under control with a deft touch before having sights set on a shot at goal.
He dodged one challenge and then another cutting in from the left before letting the ball roll down his leg to fire a blistering effort on goal.
It forced an outstanding save from Shane Supple between the sticks, but the former Ipswich man’s efforts were in vain as Barry McNamee went completely untracked inside the area to tap home the rebound and give Derry the lead.
It was McNamee’s eighth goal of the season and while it initially proved a sucker punch to the hosts, Bohemians created their own golden opportunity to head into the interval level pegging moments before referee Rob Hennessey’s half time whistle.
Dinny Corcoran was man-marked throughout the opening forty-five minutes but found space to feed a killer through ball to Ciaran O’Connor inside the penalty area.
Making his home debut for his new side, O’Connor attempted to square the ball where defender Dan Byrne lay in wait to prod the ball home from three yards out.
However the former Finn Harps striker’s pass was poor and, listening to the home crowd, ultimately the wrong decision — Bohemians fans urging their new man to go for goal himself before holding their head in their hands at the poor delivery.
Derry cleared and went into the break a goal to the good and deservedly so for their efforts. For a second successive week in Dublin things were looking positive for Kenny Shiels’ side at the break, 1-0 ahead on both occasions.
But unlike in Richmond Park last week Derry did not falter after the break and continued to ask questions of a Bohemians side which had few answers.
The second half featured few clear cut chances on goal but rather was dogged by fouls, accusations of simulation and a growing tension between both sets of players on opposing sides.
Aaron McEneff curled an effort just wide of the post as Derry tried to make sure of all three points and double their lead.
It swung just wide of the crossbar while at the other end Darren Cole provided a crucial interception on Dinny Corcoran five yards from goal to prevent the Bohs number nine from pulling the trigger on what would have been a certain equaliser.
Bohemians knew Derry’s lead was slim and uncertain and went in search of a late leveller.
Second half substitute Ismahil Akinade was played through and with the goal at his mercy was unceremoniously hauled down by Aaron Barry who received a straight red card from referee Hennessey.
Keith Ward has proven one of Bohemians’ outstanding performers this season but his free kick could not beat the wall 20 yards from goal.
It proved a final chance missed as Derry held their composure to see the game out and reclaim third spot in the Premier Division.
BOHEMIANS: Shane Supple, Dan Casey (Dylan Hayes 55), Dan Byrne, Warren O’Hora, Ian Morris , Paddy Kavanagh (Ismahil Akinade 61), Fuad Sule, Oscar Brennan, Keith Ward, Ciaran O’Connor, Dinny Corcoran
DERRY CITY: Ger Doherty, Conor McDermott, Darren Cole, Aaron Barry, Dean Jarvis, Nathan Boyle (Mark Timlin 79 (Lukas Schubert 88)), Nicky Low, Aaron McEneff, Barry McNamee, Ronan Curtis, Rory Patterson.
Referee: Robert Hennessy
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