League Report: Bohemians 1 - 0 Sligo Rovers

Andrew Dempsey reports from Tallaght Stadium

Bohemians took a huge step forwards in their quest for European football thanks to a deserved 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park this afternoon.

Keith Buckley’s second-half goal was the difference between the side’s in front of a partisan 400-strong home crowd.

Fresh from their European exploits, Bohemians came into this Dalymount Park showdown knowing that a win was needed should they wish to replicate this year’s continental adventure.

With that in mind, Bohs boss Keith Long made two swaps from Thursday’s defeat in the searing Thessaloniki heat, with Conor Levingston making his return to the starting XI after not starting on Thursday.

Sligo on the other hand came into the game in complete freefall. Their title hopes have all but evaporated, and their European hopes are also starting to look in considerable doubt.

Following last weekend’s damaging 1-0 defeat at home to Finn Harps, Liam Buckley made three changes to his Bit O’Red side as they looked to replicate their two sweeping wins over the Gypsies earlier on this term.

And that defeat seemed to spur on a strong opening to the half for the visitors, with Jordan Gibson going close early on inside the first minute.

The lively forward latched onto a long ball, but he was denied by the advancing Rory Feely who stopped James Talbot being sprang into action.

But Talbot was to be called upon after 20 minutes to deny Adam McDonnell’s low effort on goal.

Gibson was once again at the forefront of some good Sligo paly before laying the ball off to McDonnell who had his effort saved by Talbot.

Bohs, however, grew into the game, and they went mightily close to breaking the deadlock just past the half-hour mark through Ross Tierney.

Tierney was found scot-free on the penalty spot after some glorious build-up play from Dawson Devoy and Anto Breslin found the Ireland U21, but he could not convert, blasting his effort over the bar.

Romeo Parkes then went close with an effort of his moments later, but his tame effort was saved by Talbot who breathed a huge sigh of relief Parkes’ effort was so poor.

Bohemians finished the half the better of the two, with Liam Burt going close twice just before the break.

The former Celtic and Rangers youngster had a low shot blocked by the feet of Ed McGinty, before he then acrobatically shot over the bar after a Devoy free-kick broke down.

And after a slow start to the second-half, the hosts took the lead in the 64^th minute thanks to a Keith Buckley strike.

Buckley twisted and turned before rifling home into the back of the net with his unfamiliar left-foot, beating McGinty all ends up.

And it was nearly two moments later, but Georgie Kelly was denied by a smart save from McGinty.

McGinty was called into action yet again moments later to deny Kelly again, and keep the deficit at 1-0.

Tierney then went close, but he could only blaze wide after picking up on a Dawson Devoy cross into the box.

But Sligo remained a threat, and probably should have equalised through David Cawley, but he skewed a great chance over the bar from a Walter Figueira cross.

The Bit O’Red, however, could not save the day late on as they just about kept the score down with Stephen Mallon wasting a late chance on the break as Bohs ran out 1-0 winners as Sligo’s woes continue.

Bohemians: James Talbot; Anto Breslin, Rory Feely, James Finnerty, Andy Lyons; Keith Buckley (c), Liam Burt (Rob Cornwall 90), Dawson Devoy, Conor Levingston (Stephen Mallon 80), Ross Tierney; Georgie Kelly.

Subs not used: Stephen McGuinness, Tyreke Wilson, Jamie Mullins, Robert Mahon, Keith Ward, Aaron Doran.

Booked: Keith Buckley (69).

 

Sligo Rovers: Edward McGinty; Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley (c), Regan Donelon (Colm Horgan 72), John Mahon; Jordan Gibson (Mark Byrne 88), Adam McDonnell, Niall Morahan (David Cawley 72); Ryan De Vries (Johnny Kenny 72), Walter Figueira , Romeo Parkes.

Subs not used: Richard Brush, Danny Kane, Scott Lynch, Seamas Keogh, Darren Collins.

Booked: Regan Donelon (38) ,Jordan Gibson (71) Colm Horgan (83).

 

Referee: Paul McLoughlin.

Attendance: 400.

extratime.com Player of the Match: Keith Buckley (Bohemians).