Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds felt his side had more than enough chances to take all the points on offer against Sligo Rovers, but applauded their resolve in sticking at it as they earned a point late on at Dalymount Park on Friday.
After producing their best performance of the season in defeating bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers 2-0 on Monday last, the Phibsboro outfit were expected to account for lowly Sligo. However, it was John Russell's side who hit the front on 28 minutes after a sublime strike from youngster Owen Elding found the roof of the net.
The hosts pushed hard for a leveller and it duly arrived deep into added time as James Clarke headed home from a corner.
The 1-1 draw sees Bohemians drop to third in the table, with Derry City just above them on goal difference.
Speaking afterwards to RTÉ Sport, Reynolds summed up the game, when saying: "Frustration is the word after tonight".
On what he saw as their dominance throughout, he added: "We could have been five up at half-time. They scored a great goal on the counter-attack, great finish, super goal that would be worthy of winning any game.
"We should have been more clinical; we could have been well ahead at the break but we gave them something to hang on to and they are fighting for their lives to stay in the league. We kept going and got our reward which was a draw we deserved."
Not for the first time this season, Bohemians struck late to earn a tangible reward for their efforts. That perseverance has not gone unnoticed, with Reynolds commenting: "We've had numerous late goals and I think the fans can see that we keep going right till the end. This group of players always turn up and give everything.
"We could have scored the winner right at the death."
THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD FROM OWEN ELDING🤩
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 27, 2025
Sligo Rovers lead in Dalymount thanks to the boy wonder. pic.twitter.com/eq0r7jwgly
Reynolds' opposite number John Russell admitted to mixed emotions after the concession of Clarke's late leveller, while also taking the opportunity to praise his own nascent attacking talent in Elding.
"It was an incredible performance from such a young group of players that we have. They left everything on the pitch," he said.
"First half, we played some good stuff.
"And what an incredible goal by Owen Elding - he picks it up, drives forward and fires it into the top corner. That's the talent he has; he's incredible and he's becoming a real talisman for us, despite being such a young kid.
"We played some good stuff first half and we were happy to go in one-nil.
"Obviously, we knew the onslaught was going to come away from home to Bohs with the quality of players they have.
"They had one or two chances first half and I have to give massive credit to Sam Sargent in goal. His levels are going up and up every week and he was top class.
"I'm just gutted for the lads not to hold out and to concede from the set-play right at the death. It feels like a defeat, even though it's a good point as well."
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