Bohemians regained top spot in the eircom Premier Division after holding St Patrick's Athletic to a 1-1 draw at Richmond Park this evening. Glenn Crowe put the reigning champions in front in the 28th minute, but Pat's veteran Paul Osam restored parity in a full blooded Dublin derby with an equaliser just before the break.
A lapse in concentration by Pat's defender Darren Maguire proved costly on just before the half hour. His error allowed Trevor Molloy the space to whip the ball towards goal and Glenn Crowe needed no further incentive to open the scoring. Bohs were well on top at the stage, but the home side drew level in first half stoppage time when Osam headed home Martin Russell's corner kick.
St Pat's increased the tempo after the interval, but despite enjoying the majority of possession they failed to make the breakthrough. Charles Livingston had a shot tipped onto the crossbar by Wayne Russell, while Bohs left back Simon Webb missed a glorious chance to give The Gypsies the lead with just ten minutes remaining. In the end a share of the spoils was the right outcome and the point gained moves Pete Mahon's side above Shamrock Rovers on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne move into third in the eircom Premier Division following their 3-0 win over Galway United at Tolka Park, with two goals from Richie Baker and one from Pat Fenlon. It was all too easy for Dermott Keely's side against a Galway side who were in disarray at the back. Shels eventually opened the scoring after squandering several early chances when Richie Baker hammered home a tremendous effort from 25-yards in the 16th minute.
Stephen Geoghegan set up Pat Fenlon for number two on 27 minutes, the Shels midfielder drilling home with the Galway defence giving overworked 'keeper Mark Coby little cover once more. Dessie Baker missed a sitter minutes later before younger brother Richie showed him how it's done with his second two minutes before the break. Peter Hutton won a superb tackle in midfield and Fenlon's clever ball over the top found Baker, whose pace took him behind the Galway reargaurd to shoot past the exposed Coby.
Elsewhere, Bray Wanderers crowned an incredible week with another 5-1 win over newly promoted Dundalk to take their goals for tally to ten in three days at the Carlisle Grounds. The in-form Jason Byrne helped himself to a stunning hat-trick, with Thomas Morgan and Paul Keegan grabbing the others.
Filed by Shane Murray
