Bohemians have completed a famous league and cup double today for the first time since 1928 with a 1-0 victory over a courageous Longford Town in the FAI Cup final. At the final whistle, many Longford players had tears in their eyes as their wonderful Cup adventure finally came to an end thanks to a single strike from Bohs' full-back Tony O'Connor in the second-half. It was Longford's first ever Cup final appearance and although they never gave up, the Dublin side deserved their victory as they took complete control in the second-half.
Stephen Kenny's side enjoyed massive support from the 12,000 strong crowd at Tolka Park but while they won the battle in the stands, they were outplayed on the field. In the first-half, Longford started the brighter and dominated possession, although Bohs came closest to scoring when Glen Crowe took the ball round Longford keeper Stephen O'Brien but could only send his shot high over the bar. Just before half-time, Longford wasted their best scoring opportunity when Stephen Kelly, unmarked in the box, fired wide from about eight yards out.
After the break, Roddy Collins brought on Dave Morrison for Alex Nesovic and this substitution seemed to give the Dublin side more focus and they began to take control of the tie. O'Brien was outstanding for Longford, denying Crowe once again. However, one felt it would only be a matter of time before Bohs would break the deadlock and they finally did so in the 62nd minute. Full-back Tony O'Connor fired the ball through a crowded goal-mouth and the ball deflected off a post into the back of the net.
Bohs continued to dominate for the rest of the tie and were unfortunate not to extend their lead with O'Brien denying them on several occasions. In injury time, a desperate Longford pressed forward for an equaliser but the Bohemians defence held on for a famous victory.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
