Soccer

Bohs kill off 10-man Maynooth to reach FAI Cup semi-finals

First half red card put the contest to bed with the home side already a goal up

Bohs’ Keith Ward celebrates scoring his side’s third goal of the game during the FAI Cup quarter-final win over Maynooth. Photo: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Gavin Cummiskey's face
Gavin Cummiskey at Dalymount Park
Fri Sep 17 2021 - 21:49

Bohemians 4 Maynooth University Town 0

Bohemians intend to turn giant killing into a European speciality in the coming seasons so they were in no mood to allow Maynooth University Town visit such a fate upon them in this FAI Cup quarter-final.

Any hope of a competitive spectacle disappeared with Alex Kelly’s sending off 10 minutes before half-time. Bohs already led thanks to Keith Buckley’s scrambled finish and within seconds it was 2-0. By the turn it was 3-0 as the 10 amateurs were overwhelmed.

More’s the pity as this was bubbling into an entertaining Friday night in front of 1,820 returning fans to Dalymount Park. Maynooth’s lone striker Jack O’Connor had two looks at goal that needed to find the net if a miracle was to happen.

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The first might tumble around his brain for a while. Controlling a tricky ball on the edge of area, O’Connor nudged it inside Ciarán Kelly but could not balance himself to pull the trigger.

FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill had settled into his seat when Buckley followed up Keith Ward’s blocked shot, to put the semi-professionals ahead, before O’Connor’s second opportunity. This was at best a half chance as Kelly tracked his man under dropping ball. O’Connor kneed wide on the volley.

Bohs were bossing possession, and enjoying themselves, which is perhaps what prompted Kelly to cleave Dawson Devoy under the nose of referee Adriano Reale. The red card was instant but it took Kelly, a former Bohs under-19 captain, a few minutes of protest before beginning the long walk past the home support, who were really enjoying themselves.

Devoy recovered but the contest was on life support. When Conor Levingston finished Tyreke Wilson’s excellent low cross and Ward rolled a third passed David Sterio on 39 minutes the result was cooked.

Derry City’s visit on Monday night altered Keith Long’s priorities as Devoy, Buckley and Ireland under-21 right back Andy Lyons did not reappear for the second half.

Unfortunately, Promise Omochere was a late withdrawal from the Bohs line-up, and was replaced by fellow teenager Aaron Doran, who started alongside 16 year-old Jamie Mullins.

Mullins’ rare ability in possession is undeniable but he snatched at a few opportunities, particularly one real chance.

Teenagers are all over the League of Ireland this season with Roland Idowu bursting from midfield to grab the fourth on the hour mark.

To Maynooth’s credit their subs, Sven Biansumba and Sean Traynor, caused plenty of trouble with the latter forcing a decent late save from James Talbot.

Bohs march into the semi-finals, alongside St Patrick’s Athletic, Waterford and defending champions Dundalk, eyeing up the cup they last held in 2008.

Bohemians: Talbot; Lyons (Finnerty ht), Feely, Kelly, Wilson; Buckley (Idowu ht), Levingston, Devoy (Mahon ht); Ward, Doran (Kiernan 64), Mullins.

Maynooth: Sterio; Gannon (Delahunty 58), Dunne (capt), Corrigan, Fitzgibbon; Jackson, Kelly, Foley, O'Neill (Traynor 41), O'Sullivan (Amour 78); O'Connor (Biansumba 58).

Referee: Adriano Reale (Kildare).