Credit – Ben Brady INPHO
At a rain drenched Dalymount Park, Bohemians clinched a vital 1-0 win despite an unconvincing performance. A great finish five minutes from time from midfielder James McManus secured the three points, much to the relief of under pressure boss Alan Reynolds.
The win keeps Bohemians in 7th place in the table (courtesy of Derry’s win in Galway), while Cork slip to bottom of the table, level on points with Sligo Rovers.
Firstly, credit to the ground staff at the famous old venue for preparing the pitch for battle. Despite torrential rain and difficult conditions in D7, the surface looked fantastic.
Before the game kicked off there was a minute’s silence held for Bohemian legend Billy Young, which was impeccably observed by both sides. Young’s service to Bohemians spanned three decades and in his spell as Manager he won two league titles, an FAI Cup, and a League Cup. He took charge of the club on memorable European nights, most notably the famous 3-2 win over Glasgow Rangers in 1984. He will be much missed by the Dalymount faithful.
Before this game, the Gypsies had lost six of their first nine games in a disappointing start to the season. Their latest reverse was the 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne at Tolka Park the previous Friday night. There was surprise before the game, with big signing Lys Mousset missing from the squad, the reason being that he was suffering from an Achilles injury.
Manager Alan Reynolds had issued recalls to the starting eleven for Adam McDonnell, Conor Parsons and a first start of the season for Archie Meekison (the 23rd player to start a game for Bohs this season).
Similarly, Cork have been finding the start of this season tough going, coming into this game in ninth place, just above last placed Sligo Rovers. Although in recent weeks the Rebel Army have been struggling with injuries to key players such as Sean Maguire, Greg Bolger, and Ruairi Keating. Bolger had made a welcome return to the bench for this game.
Winless in their last seven games (ironically their last win had come against Bohemians at home), Cork were also desperate to get a win under their belt. Manager Tim Clancy spoke before the game about trying to coolly deal with the Dalymount Park atmosphere, and for his players to be more vocal, as they sought their first win at Dalymount Park since 2019.
The game began with both teams trying to find their feet on the greasy surface. Bohs caused Cork some panic after four minutes when Conor Parsons threatened. Shortly after Cathal O’Sullivan pounced on a loose pass and got a shot away but it was easily dealt with by Bohs keeper Kacper Chorazka. After 13 minutes a speculative Cork cross almost caught out Chorazka, but to his relief it bounced off the top of the crossbar.
After 20 minutes the dangerous Parsons put in a cross that was headed over the bar. Shortly afterwards Cork began to take control. Firstly, Evan McLaughlin got two shots away, the second being pushed out for a corner. after a long ball over the top. Then O’Sullivan controlled but had his shot blocked by Chorazka. In response for Bohemians, a 27th minute mishit cross from Meekison landed on the top of Troosts net.
Dawson Devoy was the first player to go into the book on the 31st minute, for dissent shown to the referee as Bohs started to become frustrated at their lack of control of the match. On 38 minutes after lovely feet from Mbeng, he fashioned a chance for Nolan but his shot was blocked for a corner. The resulting header by Sean Murray was then cleared off the line by Ross Tierney.
The home fans then began to become restless at Bohs lack of penetration and slow build up play. Just before the half time whistle, Troost pulled off a brilliant save from Grehan’s header, after Meekisons corner. Then at the far end Mbeng forced a decent save from Chorazka to his left-hand side. Cork were undoubtedly happy with their work in the first half, as they resolutely shut out their opponents.
In the second half, Liam Smith replaced Jordan Flores at left back, and Bohs began with a little bit more urgency. After 58 minutes Alan Reynolds made another two changes to try to find the right combination as Dayle Rooney and James McManus replaced Archie Meekison and Adam McDonnell. The Des Kelly stand claimed a goal after 62 minutes when they thought that Kavanagh’s looping header crossed the line, but the referee quickly dismissed those claims.
In the 66th minute James Clarke entered the fray for Colm Whelan, while for Cork Josh Fitzpatrick replaced Alex Nolan. Just after that a wild shot from Dawson Devoy sailed high over the school end goal. Bohs began to exert pressure as a Ross Tierney effort was deflected past the left-hand post on 71 minutes. The following Rooney corner was headed over the bar by Sean Grehan.
Cork had been so concentrated all game, but as the game approached the final ten minutes, they began to sit back just in front of their own box as they sought to grind out a draw. They then brought on fresh legs as Shipston and Bolger came on for Murray and Nelson as they reorganised into a 5-4-1 formation.
Bohs thought that they had clinched the winner on 83 minutes when Brennan turned in, but the referee signalled for offside. However, disappointment turned to jubilation as James McManus fired a right footed shot into the bottom left corner of the net on 85 minutes. The relief in Dalymount was palpable. However, that was not the end of matters as Bohs survived a late scare when Chorazka saved Mbeng’s header on the line.
Man of the match went to Kacper Chorazka, who pulled off some key saves during the game.
Despite the important win, Bohs have work to do as this was another match for them worryingly devoid of urgency and efforts on goal.
In a quick turnaround for both sides, Bohs will be back in action on Monday with a game against rivals Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. Meanwhile Cork will take on Waterford at Turners Cross.