Bohemians returned to winning ways at a packed Dalymount Park following a hard-earned win over a very well organised Drogheda United side.
The sold-out home section roared their side to three points with goals from Jordan Flores, Ali Coote and James Akintunde ensuring all three points stayed in Phibsboro and kept the side second in the table.
The hosts started the stronger and it took just nine minutes to take the lead. Flores, operating at left back, struck home another beautifully hit free-kick from 25 yards out.
The previously unbeaten visitors came into the clash full of confidence following a hugely impressive victory over Sligo Rovers just 72 hours previously, and got themselves back on level terms moments later.
Powerful on-loan 18-year-old Freddie Draper notched his first of the season, bundling home from close range when it looked like James Talbot was favourite to claim a low through ball.
Mirroring a basketball game, both sides were guilty of missing good chances to take the lead. The lively James Akintunde swiped at a gilt-edged chance from close range before Adam Foley went straight down the other end and was agonisingly close with a low drive.
Minutes before the break, The Gypsies regained the lead when Coote's powerful volley had too much heat for Colin McCabe. Flores' whipped cross was only half dealt with by Emmanuel Adegboyega, eventually falling kindly to the Scotsman who powered home from close range.
Bohs came flying out of the traps after half time and doubled their advantage when Akintunde got the goal his electric performance deserved.
The busy front man's low drive through the crowd looked to have crossed the line, despite Adegboyega claiming he cleared to safety, but referee Ray Matthews - with the help of his assistant - pointed to the centre circle.
Just after the hour mark, Talbot redeemed himself, standing up bravely to deny Draper a second as the big front man bore down on goal.
There were huge claims from both sides for penalties with Conor Keeley looking to stop a thunderous effort destined for the target from Afolabi, and at the other end Draper tangled with what looked like three Bohs players, but despite wild protests from both benches their appeals fell on deaf ears.
The hosts held firm and now face a tough trip across to an already sold-out Richmond Park to face St Pat’s on Friday night, whilst the Drogs travel to UCD hoping to put tonight's defeat to the back of their minds.
Bohemians: James Talbot, Jay Benn (Grant Horton, 72), Krystian Nowak, Kacper Radkowski, Jordan Flores, Declan McDaid (Dean Williams, 83) Keith Buckley (Adam McDonnell, 72), James McManus, Ali Coote, James Akintunde, Jonathan Afolabi.
Drogheda United: Colin McCabe, Elicha Ahui, Conor Keeley, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Evan Weir, Adam Foley (Warren Davis, 77), Gary Deegan, Ryan Brennan (Dylan Grimes, 57), Darragh Markey (Luke Heeney, 77), Dayle Rooney (Michael Leddy, 69), Freddie Draper.
Referee: Ray Matthews (Westmeath).
