Soccer:Bohemians were tonight crowned League of Ireland Premier Division champions after ending this season's campaign with a 1-1 draw against relegated side Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.
Bohs were already assured of the league title before tonight's final round of matches as they held a three point lead and 16-goal difference advantage over their nearest rivals Shamrock Rovers.
It is Bohs eleventh league title in the club’s 119 year history.
Amid the celebrations Gyspies captain Owen Heary collected the Premier Division trophy for the club’s first back-to-back league win.
This season’s success is also Pat Fenlon’s fifth title as manager to add to the three he won as a player.
The Dublin side will represent the league in the Champions League next season after they finished four points ahead of Rovers in second.
It was hardly surprising to find tonight’s game lacked a real edge but Bohs eventually took the lead on 69 minutes when a misdirected header by Bray ‘keeper Brian Kane outside his box fell for Jason Byrne, who hooked his shot into the unguarded goal from 20 yards for his 22nd goal of the season.
Bray levelled five minutes later when Mexican defender Alejandro Reyes slotted home from the edge of the box after Dane Massey had headed back a corner from Gareth Coughlan on the left.
Although officially relegated Bray still have a slim chance of survival in the top flight following suggestions that cash-strapped Derry City could be automatically relegated after tomorrow’s specially convened meeting of the FAI Board at Abbotstown.
Derry were 2-1 winners over Dundalk this evening while St Patrick’s Athletic defeated Shamrock Rovers 1-0 and Sligo Rovers beat Drogheda United 3-1. Galway United and Cork City drew 2-2.
League of Ireland results
Premier Division
Bray Wanderers 1-1 Bohemians
Galway United 2-2 Cork City
Dundalk 1-2 Derry City
St Patrick's Athletic 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
Sligo Rovers 3-1 Drogheda United
