LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION:IN EXACTING times character is required and Bohemians demonstrated the defiance required when seeking a title at Terryland Park last night.

A chronic defensive crisis rocked Pat Fenlon’s pre-match preparations as Mark Rossiter, Owen Heary, Jason McGuinness, and Ken Oman were all ruled out, but Bohemians battled on with commendable conviction.

Bohemians dictated the first quarter and inside the first five minutes Joseph Ndo and Gary Deegan dragged shots wide as the visitors found their groove.

Nine minutes in Killian Brennan crossed into a densely populated area, Anto Murphy made a firm headed connection, but Barry Ryan’s save was smashing.

Ryan repelled a long-range Paul Keegan effort in the 31st minute as Galway survived a scare.

But as the half evolved Galway’s enthusiasm ensured they became more competitive and in the 32nd minute midfielder Dave Cooke fired a shot wide of target. The teams remained level at the break.

The third quarter provided the evidence as to why Bohemians remain the dominant team in the domestic game. Prompted by the zealous Gary Deegan, they eagerly regained the initiative.

Deegan threaded a gorgeous through ball for Paddy Madden in the 51st minute, the teenager scampered clear, but stroked the ball wide. A minute later Madden’s finish was crisp, and Bohemians were armed with a lead that they wouldn’t be relinquished.

Ndo, elegant throughout spotted Conor Powell’s intelligent run from deep. The left back’s effort was blocked, but the ball fell into Jason Byrne’s path, and the decorated attacker crafted the opener for his teenage colleague.

Madden added to the Gypsies advantage in the 59th minute when expertly converting on the turn to seal a vital victory.

GALWAY UTD: Ryan; Conneely, Breen, Guthrie, Davoren; Kelly; Cooke, McBrien; O'Brien; Faherty (Molloy, 68), Greene.

BOHEMIANS: B Murphy; Cronin, A Murphy, Shelley, Powell; Brennan (Fenn, 76), Keegan, Deegan, Ndo (Rossiter, 80); Madden (Crowe, 76), J Byrne.

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).