Bohemians 0-4 Shamrock Rovers
Goals from Gary McCabe and Brandon Miele either side of the first-half proved crucial as Shamrock Rovers grabbed the bragging rights in the most heated of Dublin derbies at Dalymount Park.
A number of fans invaded the pitch after Rovers' fourth goal, with members of the Garda Public Order unit forced to step in and stop fighting. There were also reports that missiles were thrown by supporters of both sides.
Dalymount royal rumble Bohs and rovers pic.twitter.com/D7mL3Jg3J4
— Dan Hayes (@Hazer32) April 15, 2016
Defeat means Bohs’ unbeaten home record is over after a comprehensive victory for Pat Fenlon’s men saw Brandon Miele score a double to further enhance his reputation.
Just before half-time the Hoops took the lead after Simon Madden cut his free-kick from out wide into the path of Michael Drennan, but his blocked effort fell to the feet of McCabe to give the Hoops a lead they didn’t deserve going into the break.
Keith Long’s side nearly responded immediately at the start of the second-half but Paddy Kavangh’s lob hit the crossbar and went over. Shortly after a superb one-two between Miele and Gary Shaw, saw Miele double Rovers’ advantage to the shock of the hosts.
Bohemians never looked like getting back into the game and the Hoops took full advantage. A fantastic defence-splitting ball from McCabe saw Miele finish coolly past Delany to put Rovers three goals up with no return for Bohs.
Gavin Brennan saved the best for last with a curling effort in the top corner for a Goal of the Month contender.
However, following that goal, a Bohemians fan ran over to the Shamrock Rovers end of the pitch, which nearly resulted in the confrontation between groups of rival supporters.
Scenes at Bohs v Rovers😂 #DublinDerby #NoPyroNoParty pic.twitter.com/0fi85RV9ZC
— Brake Jennan (@JakeBrennan97) April 15, 2016
In a statement, Bohs said: "Bohemian FC wishes to express our disappointment with the small minority in attendance who were responsible for causing crowd disturbances which interrupted tonight's game against Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park.
"The club will work closely with stewards and An Garda Síochána to identify the individuals responsible."
Missiles being thrown from both sets of fans, riot cops wading in as game continues.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) April 15, 2016
Bohs will be counting the cost of missing some early chances.
Ismahil Akinade should have opened the scoring when a cross from Derek Pender saw Maxine Blanchard fluff his clearance but the Nigerian’s tame effort was blocked by David Webster.
Aymen Ben Mohamed put in a good first-half performance on the left wing and his dazzling skills had the home supporters on their feet when he chested down a pass from wide to flick the ball over the right-back Madden for Keith Buckley to side-foot good effort into the hands of Barry Murphy.
Rovers started their league campaign with three consecutive wins, but recent defeats to Derry City and St Pat’s had put question marks on the title aspirations of Pat Fenlon’s men.
However, those critics will be silent this weekend while it’s back to square one for Keith Long and Bohemians after coming into the game with back-to-back victories.
Next up for Bohemians is a short trip to Tolka Park to play Shelbourne in the second round of the EA Sports Cup on Monday night while Shamrock Rovers host Athlone Town the following evening.
Bohemians: Dean Delany; Derek Pender, Daniel Byrne, Derek Prendergast, Lorcan Fitzgerald; Paddy Kavanagh, EoinWearen, Roberto Lopes, Keith Buckley (Kurtis Byrne 56), Ayman Ben Mohamed; IsmahilAkinade.
Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy, Simon Madden, David Webster, Maxine Blanchard, Gavin Brennan; Killian Brennan,PatrickCregg; Michael Drennan, Gary McCabe Brandon Miele (Trevor Clarke 90); Gary Shaw (Gareth McCaffrey 72).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
