Bohs impressive but Pat’s failed to turn up
BOHEMIANS GOT THEIR first league win since 9 April in sensational style as they took full advantage of St Patrick’s Athletic’s disarray in defence.
Having gone six league games without a win or a goal Bohs ruthlessly disposed of their cross town rivals. They were clinical in attack but Pat’s were just as naive at the back.
The final scoreline slightly flattered the Gypsies as Liam Buckley’s side did have their fair share of the possession and chances.
The Saint’s manager will be desperately disappointed with the performance of his backline, particularly captain Ger O’Brien who was caught in no man’s land on a couple of occasions.
Darren Dennehy was also a major miss for Pat’s with the inexperienced centre-half pairing of Lee Desmond and Sean Hoare unable to settle in the first period as they failed to deal with the power of Ismahil Akinade.
- Sean O’Neill
Lilywhites leave it late
Going into the game, Stephen Kenny – who had presided over a seven-match winning streak in the division – preached caution when assessing Wexford Youths challenge, pointing to their win over Shamrock Rovers and draw away in Cork.
As it stands, they overcame that challenge, but only just. Youths put up a good fight and showed enough quality at both ends to suggest they will make a real fist of staying in the Premier Division.
Two weeks ago, Dundalk faced the other newly promoted side and scored seven – away from home. An injury time winner here might do as much for their momentum and confidence than that cricket score.
- Barry Landy
Rebels in seventh heaven
Ahead of a hugely-significant top-of-the-table clash at home to Dundalk later this week, Cork City made it seven straight league wins on the trot at Longford.
It was crucial that the Leesiders picked up three points in order to keep up the pace with the current champions and league leaders, and manager John Caulfield will be pleased to see Sean Maguire on the scoresheet while Mark O’Sullivan was superb after being introduced at half-time.
Cork got the better of Dundalk when the sides met at Oriel Park earlier in the season so Friday’s game should be a cracker.
- Ben Blake
Hoops let down by ill-discipline
Shamrock Rovers, Galway United, St Patrick’s Athletic and Longford Town all had a player sent off on Sunday, but for Gary McCabe it was a second red card in the space of a month.
The Hoops midfielder had received his marching orders for a dangerous challenge on Dundalk captain Stephen O’Donnell back in April and the club’s longest-serving current player was again off for an early bath at Tallaght Stadium yesterday.
Referee Antony Buttimer consulted with his assistant after an off-the-ball incident on 66 minutes before reaching for his back pocket.
- Ben Blake
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