One goal was all Bohemians needed to get their first win of the season and inflict back-to-back defeats on St Patrick's Athletic.
Stephen Mallon was the match-winner in this Dublin derby, unleashing a fierce left-footed shot beyond Joseph Anang in the 49th minute.
It was a sweet strike, and moment, although whether it felt like any sort of payback for the FAI Cup final heartache barely four months ago is unlikely. More importantly, victory here has Bohs’ season properly up and running.
It was only back in November that Pat’s triumphed at Aviva Stadium yet just six players who started the showpiece were on display for the sides here.
Keith Long had four in his ranks while the Cup holders had just two, not to mention a new man in charge in the dugout.
It will take time for Tim Clancy to make his mark at Richmond Park and a game in which they started promisingly soon drifted away from them.
The tone for the first half was set after just three minutes when the visitors had the ball in the net, but the offside flag was raised.
It was the first in a series of near misses, close shaves and exceptional pieces of goalkeeping that ensured the game remained scoreless in the opening 45 minutes.
Not that those in the packed Dalymount Park were complaining about the fare being served up. The Saints following that filled the Des Kelly Stand – now without that famous shed roof which Ireland fans of yore famously used for a vantage point – were celebrating behind that goal after Thomas Owolabi kept his eye on a dropping ball to finish superbly on the volley.
The referee’s assistant adjudged him to be offside from Mark Doyle’s initial shot, which had been deflected into the air by Grant Horton.
From that point on the game ebbed from end to end as these two new sets of teammates sought to find their rhythm.
In on loan West Ham goalkeeper Joseph Anang, Clancy looks to have unearthed a gem.
He showed quick reactions in the sixth and 43rd minutes to get down low at his near post and prevent efforts from Chris Twardek creeping into the net, the second of which took a pretty wicked deflection off Anto Breslin.
But it was his anticipation and athleticism in the 31st minute that was the standout moment of the half. Bohs cut Pat’s open with an incisive move involving Twardek, Ali Coote and Promise Omochere. It was the latter, leading the line as the focal point, who showed the intelligence to lift his head at the vital moment and square a cross for the advancing Mallon off the left wing.
He had all the time in the world to open his body for a side foot finish and his connection from six yards was firm, but Anang somehow managed to push the effort onto the post and away for a corner.
Four minutes after the re-start, though, Mallon did get the better for Anang for the breakthrough. His persistence to tussle Jack Scott off the ball and wriggle free was rewarded when his fierce left foot drive across goal found the far left corner.
After a frustrating opening half in front of goal this offered hope the floodgates might open. Clancy responded to going a goal behind but replacing Owolabi with Darragh Burns, surprisingly dropped to the bench for this derby.
It was Bohs who looked the more dangerous, especially with some lapses in concentration at the back unsettling the visitors. Omochere robbed Tom Grivosti of the ball just after the hour but dallied in possession and failed to make the most of a promising counterattack.
Goal scorer Mallon was replaced by central midfielder Jordan Flores as Long bid to gain control of the ball and kill the game, while Clancy also turned to his bench for inspiration. This time it was Billy King, another omission from the starting XI, who was introduced.
But inspiration was lacking as Bohs took all three points.
Bohemians: James Talbot; Rory Feely, Grant Horton, James Finnerty, Tyreke Wilson (captain); Kris Twardek, Jordan Doherty (Ciarán Kelly 89), Dawson Devoy, Ali Coote (Ryan Cassidy 79), Stephen Mallon (Jordan Flores 61); Promise Omochere.Subs not used: Tadgh Ryan, Ciarán Kelly, Max Murphy, Conor Levingston, JJ McKiernan, Sam Packham, Jamie Mullins.
St Patricks Athletic: Joseph Anang; Jack Scott (James Abankwah 76), Tom Grivosti, Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin; Jamie Lennon (Adam O’Reilly 76), Chris Forrester (captain); Jason McClelland (Billy King 65), Mark Doyle, Tunde Owolabi (Darragh Burns 56); Eoin Doyle.Subs not used: Josh Keeley, Ian Bermingham, Ben McCormack, Sam Curtis, Adam Murphy.
Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin)
