Bohemians maintained their title challenge with a hard earned victory over Galway United at Dalymount Park.
The Gypsies attempted to pass the ball thoughtfully in the early exchanges, but their first opportunity arrived when Mark Rossiter’s 35-yard free kick was clawed away by Gary Rogers.
Galway went close themselves seconds later as Marc McCulloch’s intricate free kick flew wide as both teams contributed to an interesting opening quarter.
Surprisingly, it was the visitors who were in the ascendancy as centre half John Fitzgerald thumped a long-range shot on target, while Derek O’Brien fizzed an effort over the bar as Jeff Kenna’s charges enjoyed a spell of supremacy.
But all Galway’s enterprise scarcely mattered in the 42nd minute as Bohemians pinched the lead goal. Killian Brennan clipped the ball into the area and Neale Fenn glanced a header that struck the timber before crossing the Galway line.
Buoyed by Fenn’s strike, Bohemians commenced the second half brimming with intent as Jason Byrne and Rossiter forced Rogers to make further saves.
Galway, eager and enthusiastic throughout, summoned a response and restored parity in the 68th minute.
Derek O’Brien swung the ball inside and Mark Leech lashed the equaliser past Brian Murphy from 12 yards.
Bohemians were now under pressure, but Liam Burns crashed home a 76th minute goal following Fenn’s precise corner.
Bohemians: Murphy; Heary, Burns, Oman, Powell (Singh, 58); Rossiter, Cronin (Turner, 86), O’Donnell, Brennan; Fenn, Byrne (Crowe, 65).
Galway United: Rogers; Nootimer, Charles, Fitzgerald, McCulloch; O’Shea, Deegan, Russell, O’Brien; Leech, Glynn (Molloy, 83).
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
