Honours even as Dundalk's winning streak comes to an end

Bohs hung on for a point in Oriel Park.

Dundalk 1

Bohemians 1

OWEN HEARY HAD Dean Delany to thank as his side came away from Oriel Park with a 1-1 draw, as the veteran keeper made two stunning stoppage saves to deny Dundalk a fifth consecutive win.

Goals from Brian Gartland and Aidan Price ensured the spoils were shared in Louth but Delany was the hero, denying John Mountney and then Ruaidhri Higgins in stoppage time to preserve a creditable away point for the Gypsies.

While the home side’s four match winning streak came to an end at the hands of Owen Heary’s men, former Bohs boss Stephen Kenny will be happy enough to extend his team’s unbeaten run in all competitions and continue to build some momentum ahead of a hectic schedule that sees them playing seven matches in 25 days.

For the visitors, a point at Oriel will be more than welcome after last week’s derby defeat at Dalymount.

Despite Dundalk having far superior possession in the early exchanges, they were frustrated by a resolute Bohs team, resplendent in their new green away kit and sponsored boots.

They lined up with a five man midfield, leaving Jason Byrne up front and although starts are rare for the striker these days, it was an indicator that should Bohs carve out chances against fancied Dundalk, they wanted their prolific marksman, himself an ex-Dundalk player, on hand to make the very most.

Byrne went close in the games’ first real chance. He swept a right wing cross just over Peter Cherrie’s crossbar in a rare Bohemians foray forward. At the other end, Kurtis Byrne controlled a Sean Gannon cross and saw his effort tipped over by Dean Delany.

Then, a mistake by Dane Massey allowed Jason Byrne in once more, but from 30 yards and wide on the right, Cherrie got back to deny him what would have been one of the more spectacular goals of his career.

Soon after, Dundalk hit the front when Darren Meenan’s corner was headed in by centre half Brian Gartland. Bohs weren’t left green in envy for long however and were soon level.

Just three minutes later, another centre half, this time Aidan Price, was on hand to send Darragh Reynor’s free kick back across Cherrie for 1-1.

The second half, for all the endeavour and positive substitutions, didn’t offer much, until stoppage time that is. Richie Towell lit up Oriel early on when his chip almost deceived Delany but the goalkeeper tipped it over and deep into five minutes of stoppage time, Delany was on hand again to superbly deny Mountney and then Higgins in a pulsating finish.

DUNDALK: Peter Cherrie, Sean Gannon (Ruaidhri Higgins, 82), Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Stephen O’Donnell [C], Daryl Horgan, Patrick Hoban, Kurtis Byrne (David McMillan, 74), Dane Massey, Richie Towell, Darren Meenan (John Mountney, 66).

Substitutes: Chris Shields, John Mountney, Ruaidhri Higgins, Mark Griffin, David McMillan, Manuel Kaguako, Gabriel Sava.

BOHEMIANS: Dean Delany, Derek Pender, Roberto Lopes, Aidan Price, Kark Moore, Paddy Kavanagh (Steven Beattie, 66), Keith Buckley, Craig Walsh, Jason Bryne (Dinny Corcoran, 93), Darragh Reynor, Dan Byrne (Ryan McEvoy, 86).

Substitutes: Dinny Corcoran, Stephen Beattie, Philly McCabe, Stephen Traynor, Kevin Devaney, Ryan McEvoy, Lee Murphy.

Referee: Paul Tuite.