Bohemians stretched their lead at the top of the eircom Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Derry City despite a late comeback from the Candystripes at Dalymount Park. The Gypsies continued their 100% start to the campaign with an opening goal from midfielder Bobby Ryan just before the break. Star striker Glen Crowe doubled their lead seven minutes after the restart and Stephen Caffrey added a third after 79 minutes.
However, Derry, without a point from their opening two matches, hit back five minutes from time with a goal from summer signing Ciaran Martyn, and they set up a frantic finale when Gary Beckett struck on 90 minutes. Despite their late resurgence, Derry failed to find an equaliser and Bohs held on to stretch their lead to three points over Cork City, while Derry remain rooted to the foot of the table with nothing to show from three games.
In the night's other games, Cork moved to second with a 3-2 win over UCD at Turner's Cross. Two goals from striker John O'Flynn and one from Billy Woods were enough to cancel out efforts from Robbie Martin and a Robert Doyle penalty. However, The Students will rue a missed penalty after 29 minutes from Martin which would have put them 2-1 up, but City held on to take all three points.
Elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic got their domestic season off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Drogheda United at United Park. Derek Delaney gave the home side the lead with just two minutes on the clock, but Pat's hit back with goals from Darragh Maguire and Philip Hughes in either half to take the points.
Meanwhile, in the eircom First Division Cup, Athlone Town and Waterford United drew 0-0 at St Mel's Park.
Filed by Shane Murray
