Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division: Bohemians 0 Derry City 4
Derry continue good form
By Daire Walsh
FIRST-HALF goals from Patrick McEleney and Michael Rafter paved the way for Derry City’s triumph over Bohemians in Dalymount Park last night, as the
Brandywell men continued their impeccable away form, which consolidates their second-placed standing in the Airtricity Premier Division table.
Derry’s hand was slightly reduced for their latest trip to Dublin, as they had to line out minus the services of star striker Rory Patterson.
They were still firm favourites heading into this tie, and despite conceding some possession during the opening moments to their opponents, the Candystripes always
looked the more potent in attack.
They showcased this to devastating effect with 14 minutes gone on the clock, when Patrick McEleney effectively created space for himself on the left-wing,
and buried to the top corner of Dean Delaney’s goal (via the underside of the crossbar) with a superb strike off his favoured right foot.
This was precisely the tonic that the visitors needed as they aimed to negotiate a troublesome surface.
With a strong base at the back, they were free to explore their adventurous side.
When full-back Simon Madden ran on to a Ruaidhri Higgins pass deep on the right-flank, the ever-impressive full-back was able to pick out the in-form
Rafter, who clinically finished low to the net from a distance of 12 yards.
This was Rafter’s fourth goal in just three games, and although Dave Mulcahy and Madden both went close for their respective teams, it was enough to give
Derry a two-goal advantage heading into the second half.
The Candystripes were once again in an excellent position to push on for their fifth league success of the campaign.
However, they did face a rejuvenated Bohs at the start of the second period, who were showing a greater level of intensity, and actually had the better of
the play during certain stages after the restart.
Ever-dependable netminder Gerard Doherty comfortable thwarted Robert Lopes and Dave Scully efforts on goal, though.
But Derry eventually made sure of their victory with 15 minutes to go when McBride headed home after Ryan McEvoy had cleared Barry McNamee’s chipped shot
off the line.
This insurance score deflated the Bohs challenge, and the fourth goal of the evening arrived just two minutes later when McNamee coolly slotted home from a
one-on-one situation following a magnificent through-ball by the outstanding Rafter.
MATCH STATS
Bohemians: Delaney; Pender, Lopes, Paisley, Byrne; Devaney, Traynor (Buckley 46), Mulcahy, McEvoy, Nangle (Moore 77); Scully.
Derry City: Doherty; Madden, S McEleney, McBride, Crawley (McCaffrey 83); Kavanagh (Duffy 78), Molloy, Higgins, P McEleney; B McNamee, Rafter (Griffin 80).
Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).