Bohs’ Dean Delany pulls out all the stops to deny Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers 0 Bohemians 0

The sublime goalkeeping of Dean Delany earned Bohemians a big point as Keith Long's side frustrated their arch-rivals at Tallaght Stadium.

Though Rovers enjoyed a fair deal of possession throughout the first half, they laboured to pose a threat to Delany's goal until the interval approached. Dave Webster headed over from a Sean O'Connor free kick on 37 minutes before Delany was finally called into decisive action three minutes later.

Gary McCabe fed Keith Fahey who burst past a defender to get in on goal. Delany was out sharply to save bravely at the Rovers midfielder's feet.

Rovers then had a let-off at the other end two minutes later with Webster needing to get a vital block to thwart a Dean Kelly shot. As in the first half, Rovers struggled initially to create serious chances despite plenty of the ball after the break. That changed, though, in the final quarter as Delany excelled to thwart the home side.

First Ryan Brennan’s header brought a brilliant reaction save from Delany on 78 minutes. A minute later, Delany was there again to make an equally terrific stop from Waters in a goalmouth scramble.

Rovers maintained the pressure into stoppage time but couldn't find a way to goal. Danny North was inches away from winning it right on 90 minutes, but looped his header from Waters's cross over the top.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Hyland; Madden, Kenna, Webster, D O'Connor; Cregg; S O'Connor (Waters, 71), Fahey, McPhail (R. Brennan, 61), McCabe (North, 85); Drennan.

BOHEMIANS: Delany; Pender, Prendergast, Best, Fitzgerald; Kavanagh, Lopes, Creevy, Evans (Moore, 75); Buckley (Dillon, 61); Kelly (Byrne, 79).

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).