Sport

Rovers fail to take chances

Shamrock Rovers 1 Bohemians 2 When his team was struggling with just two points after five games, Gareth Farrelly was living…

Paul O'Hehir at Dalymount Park
Sat Jun 04 2005 - 01:00

Shamrock Rovers 1 Bohemians 2When his team was struggling with just two points after five games, Gareth Farrelly was living on borrowed time as far as the supporters were concerned.

These days, however, the Bohemians faithful sing a friendlier tune. In orchestrating back-to-back victories over Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, the player-manager has restored harmony down Phibsborough way.

Bohemians' first chance fell to former Rovers striker Tony Grant. John Paul Kelly whipped in a teasing cross which had Grant at full stretch. Barry Murphy, however, managed to tip the ball off the striker's head.

The game came to life from that point on and Rovers, too, tested the Bohemians' defence.

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Not for the first time this season, Pat McCourt proved the conjurer and he shot inches wide of Matt Gregg's post in the 22nd minute.

But Bohemians never lost their composure and, after 34 minutes, they retaliated in the most ruthless fashion. Kelly, who enjoyed the run of the right flank all night, played in Dominic Foley. The striker skipped over Brian McGovern's challenge, rounded Murphy and scored.

Bohemians started the second half as they finished the first and Murphy made a superb reaction save to tip Farrelly's deflected free-kick around his post four minutes in. Six minutes later, winger Stephen Ward forced Murphy to make another save.

However, Bohemians doubled their advantage in the 60th minute. After a sweeping move, Kelly found Ken Oman at the back post. The defender supplied Grant with his first touch and the unmarked striker stooped to steer home from six yards.

Rovers gave their vocal supporters a lift 14 minutes from time when defender Jason McGuinness headed home substitute Keith O'Halloran's cross. But that strike was as good as it got for Rovers, who could have moved off the bottom with a win.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Wolski, McGovern, McGuinness, Doyle; Molloy, McDonnell, McDonagh, Phillips; Mooney, McCourt. Subs: O'Halloran for McGovern (55 mins), Benni for Doyle (67), Feeney for McDonnell (76). Booked: Doyle (30).

BOHEMIANS: Gregg; Rice, Oman, Byrne, Keddy; Kelly, Hunt, Farrelly, Ward; Grant, Foley. Booked: Farrelly (13), Kelly (65).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).