Daire Doyle praises his side after securing a late point away to Bohemians

Andrew Dempsey reports from Dalymount Park

Longford Town boss Daire Doyle praised the reaction his side provided him with on Saturday afternoon during their 2-2 draw away to Bohemians.

Doyle's charges fell behind by two goals prior to the half-time break before storming back to earn a point. 

And Town were the early pre-season favourites to suffer relegation back to the First Division – but four points from a possible six have raised eyebrows.

While many may still predict a short-lived stay in the Premier Division for the Red and Black, the 40-year-old is confident of the ability in his squad.

“We know what we have in our group,” he said after Saturday’s game at Dalymount.

“There is quality and togetherness in this group - and we feel that we’re going to cause every single team problems in this league.

“It’s a great thing for us. You mention the people who have us down at the bottom end of things, listen, that's fine.

“We don’t mind proving people wrong. It’s something that we look to do every single week.”

Longford have enjoyed a positive start to life in the top-flight, with their latest draw away to Bohs backing up their win over Derry City on the opening night.

However, it was not until late on that the visitors clawed their way back into the game on Saturday – with sub Conor Davis’ contribution off the bench telling.

“It was a game that Bohs dominated in the first-half,” Doyle added. “They came out and played really well and for the first 35 minutes they were in control of the game. They were deservedly ahead.

“We asked for a reaction and knew the next goal was going to be key. The lads kept going and the contributions of the subs that came on put us in a position that we could get back into the game.

“After we got the equaliser it looked like only one team was going to win the game, but we’re delighted with the point to bring into the Sligo game.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the group and how they reacted – from the team that started to the subs that came on.

“For Conor Davis to come on and score two goals after all his injuries – I’m delighted for him.”