Bohemians punish a lax Galway

Probably the perfect warm-up for the UEFA Cup return-leg with Aberdeen on Thursday. Always in control and playing with obvious confidence, Bohemians out-classed a surprisingly lax Galway United at Dalymount Park last night with a five-goal margin.

It took just eight minutes for Trevor Molloy to claim his second goal in three games, although this one was more or less handed to him by the United defence. Simon Webb sent in a searching ball but Scott Morgan's clearance fell into Molloy's path and with only David Forde to beat, he handily tucked it into the net.

Galway's creativity was glaringly limited and the attacks on goal almost non-existent.

On half an hour, just when it seemed that United may yet be able to make some running on the so-far undisturbed Bohemians defence, the gap was extended to two. This was far more impressive in its execution and no less deserving. Former under-21 international Mark Dempsey took the ball from just beyond his own half way line and after a short one-two with Crowe, he sent the ball past Forde with his first touch.

Five minutes later, David Morrison very nearly made it three but he shot wide. Galway's defence was in all sorts of trouble and they were lucky not to fall further behind before half time.

The pace quickened significantly in the second half and Bohemians again took the initiative. On 68 minutes, Molloy added his second following a Dempsey corner that took a flick in the area before heading past Forde. Then six minutes later, Crowe chased a long ball and got his just reward with a goal of his own. Three minutes into injury time, Crowe too added his second to totally flatten the United men.

The only worry then for manager Roddy Collins was the hamstring injury sustained by Molloy 10 minutes from time and may force him out of Thursday's eagerly awaited outing at Tolka Park.

Bohemians: Russell; O'Connor, Bowman, Hill, Webb; Morrison, Caffrey, Hunt, Dempsey, Molloy, Crowe. Subs: O'Brien for Hunt (75 mins), O'Neill for Molloy (inj, 78 mins), Quigley for Bowman (83 mins).

Galway United: Forde; Morgan, O'Connor, Clery, Keady; Gorman, Mooney, Crossley, Keogh; Malee, Lavine. Subs: Ryan for Keogh, Goldbey for Gorman (both 54 mins), Murphy for Mooney (58 mins).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).