Bohemians re-established their seven-point cushion at the top of the eircom Premier League with a hard fought 3-1 victory over Bray Wanderers at The Carlisle Grounds this afternoon. The championship favourites were made to fight all the way for the three points after Jason Byrne delighted the home crowd with the opener after 17 minutes.
Bohs midfielder Kevin Hunt restored parity with 33 minutes gone, but five crazy minutes after the break changed the complexion of the game completely. First-off, Mark Rutherford gave The Gypsies the lead for the first time when he slotted home after 69, and the visitors could have stretched their lead two minutes later but Simon Webb conspired to miss from the penalty spot.
However, Stephen Kenny's men didn't have to wait long for their third as perennial talisman Glen Crowe struck 16 minutes from time, to restore Bohs' seven-point lead over Dublin rivals Shelbourne.
In the First Division, Monaghan United maintained their push for promotion with a 3-1 win over fellow play-off hopefuls Limerick FC at Century Homes Park. Goals from Trevor Vaughan (38), Stephen Arkins (58), and Eddie Mieir (79) gave United the points despite Graham Doyle's own goal after 77 minutes which had threatened to allow Limerick back into the game.
Filed by Shane Murray
