Keith Ward’s penalty cancelled out Mikey Drennan’s opener as Sligo Rovers and Bohemians played out a 1-1 draw at The Showgrounds in a tame affair.
Sligo’s disastrous home form has been a major factor in their poor season, having won just three games all year in front of their own supporters.
Given the fact they suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the champions Dundalk at Oriel Park on Friday night, few would have given them a chance against the Gypsies.
Former St. Patrick’s Athletic boss Liam Buckley, who is reportedly set to take the job as Rovers boss, was in the stands, and he was there again tonight to see the Bit O’Red take the lead with just three minutes played.
Drennan seemed to spot Colin McCabe trying to keep his balance, tamely shooting at goal, only to see it slip past McCabe for a Sligo lead.
Watch: There was another goal for @mikeydrennan, while @KWard102 equalised as @sligorovers and @bfcdublin drew 1-1 last night in The Showgrounds in the @SSEAirtricityLg. #SoccerRepublic pic.twitter.com/lbEEOgUvPY
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 23, 2018
The visitors went on the attack, with Dan Casey dragging his shot wide before Dinny Corcoran’s effort floated across the face of goal. Bohs continued to threaten and could have equalized on a number of occasions, but Ed McGinty was proving hard to beat in the Sligo goal.
That was until the 32nd minute when the Dubliners were awarded a penalty as the high boot of Kyle Callan McFadden appeared to make contact with Corcoran.
Ward’s powerful penalty beat McGinty, and Bohs were back in the game.
Kilkenny native Drennan came close to scoring his second of the game just before the interval, but his volley was just forced wide by McCabe.
The home side were calling for a penalty in the second-half when Liam Kerrigan went down in the Bohs box, but Paul McLaughlin waved play on.
A point does little to improve either side’s final standing, but Sligo could still catch Derry City who occupy seventh place. Bohs could still be caught in fifth with one game remaining.
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Kyle Callan McFadden, Seamus Sharkey, John Mahon, Patrick McClean; Jack Keaney, Lee J Lynch, David Cawley (Caolan McAleer 63), Rhys McCabe; Liam Kerrigan (Darren Collins 75), Mikey Drennan.
Bohemians: Colin McCabe; Dan Casey, Rob Cornwall, Ian Morris, Robbie McCourt; Danny Grant, JJ Lunney, Oscar Brennan, Keith Ward (Kevin Devaney 67) Eoghan Stokes; Dinny Corcoran (Christian Magerusan 84)
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
