Bohs & Rovers share Dublin bragging rights

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Bohemians' reign of dominance over their fellow Dublin sides has been well and truly blown apart over the past few weeks after they succumbed to away defeats to both Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic.

UCD's relegation at the end of last season means that the 2009 Premier Division consists of just three Dublin sides - the lowest number in many years.

Bohs success over their Dublin rivals was one of the cornerstones of their League title victory last season, with the Gyspies picking up 23 out of a possible 27 derby points.

Their dominance continued in the opening weeks of the 2009 season as they swept aside Shamrock Rovers by two goals to nil at Dalymount Park in March, before trouncing Pat's 3-0 at the same ground in April. However, their ten game winning League run over their capital rivals came to and end in May when two late goals from Gary Twigg sealed a memorable 2-1 victory for the Hoops.

That was followed by last Friday night's crushing 3-1 defeat against Jeff Kenna's St Pat's at Richmond Park.

Rovers and Pat's have so far only met once in the league this season, although the Tallaght side did also emerge victorious when the two sides met in the EA Sports Cup at Richmond Park at the beginning of May.

While Bohs remain top of the Premier Division, with Pat's and Shamrock Rovers back in fourth and fifth place respectively, the mini Dublin league table below shows that Rovers are joint top with Bohemians, having played one game less than Pat Fenlon's men.

Rovers will have a chance to overtake their bitter rivals when they travel to Richmond Park to take on Pat's on July 4th. Bohs will contest their next Dublin derby when they welcome Shamrock Rovers to Dalymount Park on July 24th.



TeamPPts
Bohemians46 (+2)
Shamrock Rovers36 (+1)
St Patrick's Athletic33 (-3)
Goal difference in brackets