DUNDALK 2
BOHEMIANS 1
Niall Newbury reports
DUNDALK ARE BACK in Europe after defeating Bohemians 2-1 at Casey’s Field tonight.
A hero of European runs of yesteryear, David McMillan’s superb free-kick put Stephen O’Donnell’s team 1-0 ahead, before Runar Hauge doubled their lead in the first half.
It was a nervous finish for Dundalk, though, thanks to Ethon Varian’s 89th-minute header, but they held on for a win, which coupled with St Patrick’s Athletic’s failure to win in Sligo, seals a return to Europe for The Lilywhites following a one-year absence.
Knowing three points could guarantee a place in the Europa Conference League next season, The Lilywhites unleashed their first attempt of the night inside the opening minute, but midfielder Alfie Lewis dragged his shot miles wide of the intended target.
At the other end, Bohemians winger Liam Burt danced his way through the Dundalk rearguard before forcing their elected player of the year Nathan Shepperd to save well.
Ex-Lilywhite and current Bohs captain Jordan Flores then floated in a corner from the left which eventually found its way at the back post to Burt, who found the side-netting.
However, it was Dundalk who took the lead on 21 minutes, when McMillan’s free-kick was nestled home, leaving the 17-year-old debutant Reece Byrne rooted to his spot.
That free was awarded after Ryan O’Kane had ghosted past Jordan Doherty, who according to referee Adriano Reale, committed a foul on the Dundalk starlet, but television replays suggested the contact between both players was minimal at best.
Dundalk goalkeeper Shepperd had to be alert as he battered a Rory Feely header around the post after the Bohs defender had met another Flores left-field corner at the back post.
Despite creating plenty of chances, The Gypsies found themselves 2-0 behind on 39 minutes, with Lewis brilliantly retaining possession before finding McMillan, who released Hauge to leave Max Murphy for dead and slot underneath the legs of Byrne.
Hauge seemed to be enjoying his evening, and not long after the second half had commenced, the Norwegian’s crashing shot forced Byrne into a brilliant fingertip save.
As has often been the case this season, Shepperd produced a remarkable stop, saving a Ciaran Kelly point-blank header after a Flores corner was headed across goal by Feely.
News had filtered through at this point that Aidan Keena had put Sligo Rovers 1-0 ahead against St Pats at home, meaning Dundalk were heading back into Europe as it stood.
But Bohs weren’t beaten yet, and had chances to halve the deficit, first through substitute Declan McDaid’s shot which sailed just over; before a Flores free was saved by Shepperd.
They did pull a goal back a minute from time, as a Flores corner from the right was headed home by Varian, but The Lilywhites held out to seal third position in the table.
Dundalk: Nathan Shepperd; John Mountney, Lewis Macari, Andy Boyle, Darragh Leahy; Sam Bone, Alfie Lewis; Runar Hauge (Joe Adams 64), Steven Bradley (Robbie Benson 87), Ryan O’Kane (Keith Ward 76); David McMillan (John Martin 76).
Bohemians: Reece Byrne; Jordan Doherty, Rory Feely, Ciaran Kelly, Max Murphy (Jamie Mullins 79); James McManus, Jordan Flores; Kris Twardek (Declan McDaid 48), James Clarke, Liam Burt; Ethon Varian.
Referee: Adriano Reale
Attendance: 3,017
I reckon they’ll put him in the 23 shirt. He hasn’t played a game in 5 months and this is a must win game. Henshaw and Osborne have been solid so far already this season.
It’s harsh on Osborne but I’d start Ringrose, he’s World Class, but would put Osborne on the bench, meaning no 6-2 so Connors misses out.
Interesting selection call, Leo might go 5/3 to fit him on the bench . Would be a big ask to start him after 5 months of no game time
@Owen ODonoghue: Big risk indeed, but I think worth it, our attack and defence without GR hasn’t been at the same level – RH and JO are really 12s who can fill in at 13 (thought RH was actually a brilliant 13 up until the last 6 months when he’s played there regularly and has only been ok)
@Andrew Slazenger: And by ok I mean in the specific roles a 13 has, shutting the door on outside channel, calling the rush, biting in or not and then striking into outside space in attack, knowing when to take on the space or distribute etc etc as a rugby player RH has been excellent though
@Andrew Slazenger: I get your point! Robbie’s recent journey, since his return from injury, has been impacted in Green by Bundee’s stellar 2023 and Garry’s absence in Blue. The fact that he has been doing a brilliant job at 13 is in part a reflection of the lack of competition there and the surfeit of talent at 12. Robbie is still the best 12 on the island and makes most impact on games when he plays there.
@John Morris: bundee best 12 in world
@Owen ODonoghue: still go 6/ 2. Garry and Robbie. Frawley and foley cover the whole backline.
@chris mcdonnell: Hmm, could be interesting. Foley is having a great season.
@chris mcdonnell: based on McBrydes update it looks very likely a 6/2 with Frawley and McGrath as backs cover
@Gary Galligan: yep and we have 3 other excellent centres with Ringrose, Henshaw and McCloskey
Our depth is crazy too with Osborne, Forde, Gavin coming through and the likes of Frawley, Crowley and JOB all able to play there. Its like Irelands backrow depth now
@Owen ODonoghue: 100 pc. Pity about loose head props
@Owen ODonoghue: mcgrath is not a better option than foley. JgP is playing the full game barring injury so why not have a player who can play more than one position
@chris mcdonnell: i agree with you, Leo does not tho!
They said ringrose available last week to let’s see if he gets named on the team v bulls
Seeing lots of chatter on here about 5-3 vs 6-2 and how that affects Ringrose. I think he’s a naturally very fit guy but would a big ask to play at the high altitude with no game time in 5 months? My initial thoughts are go 6-2, well because it’s a Springbok team, but you can’t hardly start Ringrose can you so he’d miss out? But because it’s such a physical toll playing that high up will we need 3 back subs as guys are likely to be absolutely gassed. In any case – Leinster have badly missed Ringrose in both attack and D.
I think Osbourne & Ringrose will start as centres. The bench is likely to be 5-3 unless Foley surpasses McGrath as scrumhalf back-up & emergency wing cover.
@D Farrell: u dropping Robbie ?? Lol