FAI National League: Bohemians - 2 Shamrock Rovers - 1 Timing becomes ever more imperative as the season reaches its crescendo and like all great strikers Glenn Crowe delivered the winner, his 13th goal of the campaign, with the game hanging in the balance to give Bohemians all three points at Dalymount Park last night.
Considering the level of importance of this Dublin derby Rovers initial relaxed attitude at the back was surprising. However, up front they appeared to have found the right combination. The only pity was when they did take the lead, on the half hour, Bohemians quickly pulled level through the type of good fortune their visitors never seem to enjoy anymore.
Glenn Fitzpatrick continued where he left off against UCD last Friday with his second goal, in as many games, after he bundled a Stephen Grant cross high into the net. It wasn't exactly a vintage finish but it confirmed the form of the young striker.
The goal brought an increased urgency into the championss game, typified by a rasping shot from talisman Kevin Hunt, and within seven minutes a miss-hit cross from Damian Lynch had the groans of the Bohemians faithful transform into joy in one breath as it sailed over goalkeeper Barry Ryan.
The blame for such a soft equaliser has to rest squarely on the shoulders of the normally reliable Ryan whose despairing attempted save was poorly judged.
Rovers continued to make inroads into their rivals half but one felt if the Bohemians assault on Shelbourne at the top of the table was to be maintained home victories were now a necessity.
Morrison's delivery rate from the left was causing plenty of difficulties and the introduction of Bobby Ryan, on the right, further increased the pressure.
His first contribution of the contest was to dance past three defenders before setting up Crowe, who on the second attempt forced an excellent save from Ryan.
Yet, something appeared to be missing in their attempts to break the Rovers defence down. Cue the intervention of manager Stephen Kenny. Doyle was pulled ashore for Paul Keegan. The point of attack was changed in order to benefit from his height and with 13 minutes remaining his flick-on duly sent Crowe through on goal.
The Irish international appeared to have taken one touch too many, of course he knew exactly what he was doing, and as Ryan rushed off his line a gentle toe poke from the master saw the ball trickle into the net to effectively decide the contest.
BOHEMIANS: Kelly, Lynch, Webb, McGuinness (McNally 23 mins), Oman, Harkin, Hunt, Caffrey (Ryan 62 mins), Doyle (Keegan 70 mins), Crowe, Morrison.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Ryan, Croly, Doyle, Palmer, McGuinness (Molloy 82 mins), S Grant, Colwell, Boughanem (Reynolds 77 mins), T Grant, Fitzpatrick, Keddy.
Referee: A Kelly (Cork).
