SHELS’ BOHS BLOW AS ROVERS RETURN
THIS season’s League of Ireland Premier Division is shaping up like it’s going to have more twists and turns than an entire run of Dancing With the Stars.
Every set of fixtures seems to pivot to its own particular rhythm and Friday’s round of games was no different. The big talking point was Bohemians ending Shelbourne’s unbeaten start to the season.
While Damien Duff’s side remain top with a still impressive five points between them and second-placed Derry City, Shamrock Rovers moved third and six points behind – with a game in hand.
But take a look at Bohemians. That Tolka Park three points puts them up to fifth and if they win tomorrow night’s back game at home to Dundalk, they’ll share second spot with Derry City. Not bad for a club that’s supposed to be enduring a crisis.
New Bohs boss Alan Reynolds may be only weeks in the job but he’s no mug. That was a big win to follow a defeat at home to Waterford. “It was great, bouncing back after last week,” he said.
“We’d a week to work with the fellas and I think you could see the improvements.
“Saying that, they came out of the blocks in the first twenty minutes and we struggled - but after that we adapted. I’m delighted for the players and the effort they put in. It’s a start for us.”
One player who really shined for the Gypsies was Jordan Flores. He’s been quite a utility player for the side – playing in various positions – but on Friday his two goals ultimately won the game.
Reynolds was eager to praise his captain, who put away a penalty before heading Bohs even further ahead before the break with a goal that came straight from the training ground.
Shels struck back in the second half with a penalty from Will Jarvis – but the Gypsies held on for a win that should generate a lot of confidence around Dalymount Park for the new regime.
“I thought Jordan was excellent,” Reynolds said.
“He was a well-deserved man of the match. He’s frustrated, I suppose, with the way results have gone. But he put in a really great performance.”
As for the second goal, Reynolds was keen to deflect praise away from himself. “In fairness to Derek Pender, he worked on that. It’s something he touched on. All the credit is to him.
“But the delivery was fantastic and the desire from Jordan Flores to score was top class.”
IMPRESSIVE
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers put in an impressive shift at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night when they disposed of Sligo Rovers on a 3-0 scoreline. It could have been a lot worse for the Bit O’Red.
The Hoops were 1-0 up at the break and produced a scintillating second-half display, peppering the away goal at will. Afterwards, Rovers coach Stephen Bradley looked ahead to upcoming games at Derry City and Shelbourne.
“Our play and our performance against Sligo Rovers carried on from last week - we just added the goals,” he said. “And we added a clean sheet, which is always nice. All-round we were very good.
“This team is a team that likes playing games regularly. We’re starting to get bodies back, which is important with the run that’s coming up.”
FIXTURES (7.45pm unless stated): MONDAY: SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION: Bohemians v Dundalk, Dalymount Park TUESDAY: FIRST DIVISION: Wexford v Longford Town, Ferrycarrig Park
FRIDAY: PREMIER DIVISION: Sligo Rovers v Dundalk, Showgrounds; St Patrick’s Athletic v Waterford, Richmond Park; Galway United v Shelbourne, Eamonn Deacy Park; Bohemians v Drogheda United, Dalymount Park; Derry City v Shamrock Rovers, Ryan McBride Brandywell
FIRST DIVISION: Bray Wanderers v Treaty United, Carlisle Grounds; Cork City v Longford Town, Musgrave Park; Cobh Ramblers v Finn Harps, St Colman’s Park; Kerry v Athlone Town, Mounthawk Park; Wexford v UCD, Ferrycarrig Park