Keith Long: UCD played very well in the first half - we were luck to come in at the break one up

Andrew Dempsey reports from Dalymount Park

Bohemians eventually ran out comfortable enough three-nil winners over UCD on Friday evening at Dalymount Park despite being dominated by the Students for much of the opening period.

However, Dinny Corcoran’s penalty knocked the stuffing out of Collie O’Neill’s side just before the break as the Gypsies went on to secure all three points during the second half.

Speaking after the game with extratime.ie, Bohs manager Keith Long admitted that his side were lucky to come in at the break a goal ahead.

“I think UCD were the better side during the first half,” – Long admits.  

“We were a little bit lucky coming in a goal up, but we took advantage of that. After the break we came up higher up the pitch, showed a bit more aggression higher up the pitch to get up and force more chances.

“We got two goals in a four-minute spell and that really killed the game. Saying that, UCD played very well in the first half and we were lucky to come in at the break one-up.

“The message was clear to the players that we needed to play further up the pitch. We were able to do that in the second half and we created chances from that.”

With the result seeing Bohs shoot back up to second, the former Athlone Town manager added; “If we continue to play and do as well as we have over the early part of the season, it could be an exciting season ahead for us.

“We’re not getting carried away, it’s a top of the table clash between ourselves and Rovers up next. It’s been a long time since Rovers and Bohs have been in the top two in this league so that’ll be interesting.”



With Bohemians next assignment being a tantalising Dublin Derby clash against Shamrock Rovers, Long is hoping that his side can once again produce the goods against the Hoops

“They’re massive for both sets of supporters,” – the ex-Bray Wanderers assistant manager concluded.

“The games are helter skelter at a frenetic pace. Sometimes they’re not the most entertaining of spectacles to watch.

“We’ll go over there, they’re in good form, they’ve got some really good players and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.”