Bench makes its mark as Bohs subs secure win

For the second time in four days, Bohemians had dead-ball expertise to thank for carving out a win which sustains their progression up the table as a late goal from a set-play, from sub James Akintunde, proved to be the only difference between a sub-par Bohs and Dundalk side rooted to the bottom of the table.

A 1-0 defeat at Dalymount leaves Dundalk in last place in the league and a return of five points from 10 games is their worst start to a season in their history, that stat stressing the extent of the job that awaits their new manager when the club get around to finding a long-term replacement for Stephen O’Donnell.

There was another piece of history, though as teenager Eoin Kenny – son of former Ireland boss Stephen – came on in added time for his league debut for Dundalk.

Despite the amount of international experience on view, six players capped at senior level across both squads, there was a lack of quality in a game where a strong wind looked as if it would play a big role, just two shots on target before Akintunde’s header, from a cross by Dayle Rooney, opened the scoring and Bohs now move up to third in the table.

Bohs had home advantage but in a pretty poor first half, Dundalk had another factor in their favour, a strong wind behind them which added power to their attacks and caused Bohs problems and it seemed like an error would secure an opening. Despite their status as the league’s bottom side, Dundalk grew in confidence as the first half wore on.

On 26 minutes Robbie Benson got the last touch after a Dundalk corner was not cleared but his shot was well over the bar, Benson off target with another shot on 38 minutes. The away side tried to turn the screw in the final five minutes of the half, but chances from Daryl Horgan and Robbie Mahon lacked precision.

It was a surprise that only one change was made by Alan Reynolds at the break, Rooney on for the in effective Martin Miller. That was a voluntary change but Du nd al kw ere forced into one, ex-B ohs man Mahon leaving the field on a stretcher after he went down under a challenge from Bohs captain Dylan Connolly.

Reynolds looked to his bench again, Declan McDaid and Akintunde added to the mix and McDaid made an instant impact. His shot on 65 minutes forced a save from George Shelvey was the first attempt on target by either side, summing up the lack of entertainment for a crowd of 4,045, healthy given it was a school night.

McDaid came up with another effort just after that, getting on the end of Michael Lilander’s cross and unleashing a shot which needed Shelvey to be alert.

Frustration hung around the home fans and a 0-0 draw was on the cards but 10 minutes from time Rooney swung ina free kick, Dundalk switched off and Akintunde ghosted in to head home his third goal of the season, all three winning goals.

Dundalk pushed for an equaliser but Bohs held on to claim back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

BOHEMIANS: Chorazka; Lilander, Byrne, Keita, Kirk; McDonnell (B Mcnaus 90), J McManus; Connolly (Akintunde 63), Clarke (McDaid 63), Miller (Rooney 46); Piszczek (Reinkort 81). DUNDALK: Shelvey; Davies, Boyle, Animasahun (Annesley 46), Bradshaw; Doyle (Keane 73), High; Horgan, Benson (Kenny 90), Mahon (O’Kane 60); Gullan. REF: E O Shea.