Bohemians' dream of more European glory ended in the Fritzwalter Stadium last night, but not before the Dublin club produced a fine result for an Irish club in Europe.
Glen Crowe's 36th-minute goal was enough to win the game on the night. But sadly, it's the German side who advance to the second round of the competition after their 3-1 victory in the first leg at Tolka Park 10 days ago. No wonder the sporting 12,379 German crowd gave Bohemians a standing ovation at the final whistle as they took a deserved lap of honour.
Kaiserslautern had looked the stronger side in the early stages and both Marco Reich and Czech international Vratislav Lokvenc went close with early efforts. Then goalkeeper Wayne Russell came to Bohemians' rescue with a superb diving serve to push away a Harry Koch header.
Gradually, the Dublin side settled and, with Kevin Hunt outstanding in midfield, they fought their way back into the game. Hunt had one long-range effort saved by Georg Koch.
And then, on 36 minutes,Crowe stabbed home the only goal of the game. A magnificent ball from Darren O'Keeffe on the left found Dave Williamson on the right. Then the winger cleverly lobbed the ball past defender Jeff Strasser and sent over a perfect cross for Crowe to side-foot home into the unguarded net at the bar post.
A minute later, Crowe went close to grabbing a sensational second goal when his 30-yard lob was just inches off target with keeper Georg Koch out of position.
Bohemians continued to grow in confidence in the second half and Crowe should really have made better use of an opening created by Hunt.
Bohemians did have the ball in the net again on 74 minutes when Crowe shot home after O'Keeffe had split open the German defence. But a linesman's flag ruled the goal out for off-side. Even the German crowd booed that controversial decision.
Then Crowe had another effort brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Koch after substitute Gary O'Neill had caused havoc on the right wing.
It was a fighting display by the Dublin club and a victory on the night that was fully deserved. It was also the first triumph by a League of Ireland club on German soil in 13 previous attempts.
KAISERSLAUTERN: G Koch, H Koch, Ramzy, Strasser, Pettersson, Komljenovic, Hristov, Grammozis, Reich, Lokvenc, Tare (Klose 45).
BOHEMIANS: Russell, Hopper (O'Connor 57), Bowman, Hill, Webb, Williamson (O'Neill 61), Caffrey, O'Keefe, Hunt, Morrison, Crowe. Goals: Crowe 36.
Referee: M Vuorela (Finland).
