League Report: Bohemians 3 - 0 UCD

Andrew Dempsey reports from Dalymount Park

A strong second half showing from Bohemians saw them eventually get past the challenge of a luckless UCD at Dalymount Park.

Dinny Corcoran opened the scoring for the Gypsies before Conor Levingston and Danny Grant sealed the deal in a lightning second half period for Keith Long’s side.

Having made one change against the Leesiders, Collie O’Neill opted for one alteration against Bohs while the Gypsies decided to go with five changes themselves as they sought to get back to winning ways.  

The Students began the game the far superior side with their slick passing and interplay causing all sorts of issues for Bohs who did not press much at all.

Jason McClelland cut in from wide early on to force confusion in the Gypsies penalty area, but Aaron Barry saved the day with a last-ditch clearance.

UCD continued to dominate and it was McClelland who forced another good save from James Talbot. The resulting corner was headed onto the crossbar by Richie O’Farrell as Collie O’Neill’s charges looked venomous.

Bohemians appeared to wake up from their slumber but were unable to trouble Conor Kearns in the UCD goal all that much. Dinny Corcoran’s flick on was probably Keith Long’s best chance of the opening period.

The Students then produced their best move of the game which was somehow bettered by an incredible save from Talbot in the Bohemians goal.

Gary O’Neill swept the ball out wide to Neil Farrugia who whipped in a dangerous low ball from wide to find the feet of Yoyo Mahdy. Mahdy’s strike looked destined for the net before Talbot somehow clawed it away onto his crossbar.

That golden opportunity saw Bohemians really spark into life as Mandroiu, Corcoran and Keith Buckley all went close in front of an expectant home crowd.

As Bohs pressed forward, UCD found holes in the Bohemians midfield and broke with purpose. Farrugia strode forward before forcing a fine stop from the ex-Sunderland ‘keeper as Barry swept away the rebound with Mahdy lurking.

However, despite dominating the opening period, UCD were punished for their naivety before the break. Mark Dignam pulled down Danny Grant in the box as referee Paul Tuite had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Dinny Corcoran then slotted past Kearns in the Students goal as the Gypsies took what could have been considered as a fortunate half-time lead.

While their first half display was exceptional to say the least, despite the deficit, the Students endured a horror start to the second period.

Bohemians doubled their lead just after six minutes of the second period. Mandroiu had Dignam on his heels before passing to Grant.

Grant then cut the ball back to Conor Levingston who made no mistake from the edge of the penalty area.

It was to get worse for the Students shortly after as Danny Grant forced home a tap-in after a horrible mix-up in the UCD back four. Mandroiu went on a super run, forcing Kearns to make a save onto the post before the ball bounced into the path of Grant who was on hand to make it three.

Collie O’Neill sought a reaction with a drastic triple substation just after and it almost paid dividends. Timmy Molloy got his foot on the end of a cross but eked his weak effort wayward.

Bohemians could, and really should have added a fourth through Dinny Corcoran after a mix-up in the UCD penalty area but their blushes were saved by Corcoran’s guilt-edged chance going wide.

To their credit, despite being dominated during the second period, the Students continued to play their expansive style of play when the opportunity arose.

Former St. Patrick’s Athletic Under-19 star Richie O’Farrell had the last meaningful effort on goal, but his effort was well saved by Talbot who had a quiet send half in comparison to his first half heroics.

Bohs now must prepare for Tuesday evening’s fierce Dublin derby clash away to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium while the Students face Dundalk at the UCD Bowl on Monday afternoon at 3pm.

Bohemians: James Talbot; Andy Lyons, Aaron Barry, James Finnerty, Darragh Leahy; Keith Buckley (Robbie McCourt, 76), Conor Levingston, Danny Grant (Ali Reghba, 73), Kevin Devaney (Ryan Graydon, 70), Danny Mandroiu; Dinny Corcoran. 

Subs not used: Rob Cornwall, Robbie McCourt, Ryan Graydon, Michael Barker, Ryan Swan, Ali Reghba, Sean Bohan.

Booked: Conor Levingston (73).

UCD: Conor Kearns; Dan Tobin, Liam Scales, Josh Collins, Mark Dignam (Timmy Molloy, 64); Paul Doyle, Gary O’Neill, Richie O’Farrell, Neil Farrugia, Jason McClelland (Sean McDonald, 64); Yoyo Mahdy (Conor Davis, 64).

Subs not used: Darragh Corcoran, Evan Farrell, Luke Boore, Gavin Sheridan.

Booked: Liam Scales (53), Timmy Molloy (78), Josh Collins (90).

Referee: Paul Tuite.

Attendance: 3,500 (Estimate).

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Daniel Grant (Bohemians).