Dundalk maintain their focus as they return to the top

GOALS either side of the break from Sean Hoare and Pat Hoban saw Dundalk get the better of Bohemians at Oriel Park as they returned to the top of the Premier Division table. Stephen Kenny’s side might have one eye on Thursday’s Europa League second qualifying round second leg tie with AEK Larnaca, but they showed how much domestic affairs mean to them here. This result moved them one point clear of champions Cork City who have played a game more. It was by no means a vintage display from the Louth men, but their cutting edge ensured they could secure a victory without having to go through the gears. Coming on the back of their first-leg stalemate three days earlier, Dundalk surprisingly made just one change to their side with Dean Jarvis coming in for Dane Massey at left back. It showed manager Stephen Kenny’s desire in relation to the league, but it was the visitors who made most of the early running with Daniel Kelly conjuring up the first chance on eight minutes when he turned defender Brian Gartland in the box but fired straight at goalkeeper Gary Rogers. Keith Long’s men were on top for long spells in the game but lacked the cutting edge of their opponents when it was needed most. After Michael Duffy had fired over on 17 minutes, he then turned provider for his side’s opener on 31 minutes when his corner to the near post was headed home by Sean Hoare. The visitors were unlucky not to be level six minutes later when Kelly cut in from the left only to be denied by Rogers from close range. Any hope Long’s side had of a turnaround was all but ended within six minutes of the restart when Hoban converted from the penalty spot after Dean Jarvis had been upended by Dan Casey. It took some brilliant goalkeeping from Shane Supple after that to prevent the Louth men adding to their advantage. He twice denied Hoban a second, firstly saving with his feet on 55 minutes before a fine stop at close range eight minutes later. The keeper would also deny Robbie Benson and Georgie Kelly with fine stops after that. Bohs did go close to a consolation goal two minutes from time, but Keith Ward’s effort crashed off the post. DUNDALK: Rogers; Hoare, Gartland, Cleary, Jarvis; Shields, Benson (Chvedukas 75); Connolly (McEleney 59), McGrath, Duffy; Hoban (Kelly 85). Scorers: Hoare 31, Hoban 51. BOHEMIANS: Supple; Lyons, Morris, Casey, Leahy; Kelly, Buckley, Brennan (Byrne 56), Lunney (Ward 60), Devaney, Corcoran (Grant 75). Booked: Leahy 14, Morris 44. Referee: R Hennessy (Limerick).