Originally Posted by Ceirtlis
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Bohemians 2-0 UCD
Defensive errors prove costly for Students
UCD lost their second straight game, failing to hit the target in their third consecutive game, as they were defeated by two goals against Bohemians in Dalymount Park. Despite dominating the game for spells the Students lacked a killer instinct upfront and went home with nothing to show for their efforts.
Pete Mahon made several changes to his side, with this Sunday's FAI Ford Cup semi-final against Longford Town clearly in his mind. Darren Quigley, Alan Mahon, Conor Kenna, Ronan Finn and Conor Sammon were all rested and replaced by Matt Gregg, Brian Shorthall, Evan McMillan, Tony McDonnell and Fran Moran respectively.
With only three minutes gone in the game UCD got off to the worst possible start. Dean Pooley was allowed to move upfield unchallenged and picked out Darren Mansaram with a precise pass. The bustly striker evaded the attention of three UCD defenders and spread the ball wide to the unmarked Harpal Singh. The winger's brilliant cross was met by Michael McGinely, who powerfully headed into the bottom left, giving Matt Gregg no chance.
The visitors responded well and their 4-5-1 formation ensured that they had the majority of possession. Their attacks were focused on Bohs' left flank and created many opportunities using this tactic. Pat McWalter found himself in space on numerous occasions but his enticing crosses were not capatalised on by the UCD attack.
On 28 minutes Bohemians almost doubled their lead, against the run of play. A long ball over the top from Pooley released Glen Crowe who shot at goal from a narrow angle. However Gregg, a former Bohs player, got down well to deny him.
UCD had a glorious chance to level the game five minutes later. Brian King, who was dictating the game from midfield, split open the Bohs' defence with a superb through ball. Fran Moran was clean through on goal but a poor first touch took the ball away from him. Despite this he still managed to get a shot at goal, which beat Brian Murphy. However his effort lacked power and was cleared off the line by the retreating Owen Heary.
The visitors were made pay for that missed chance as the Gypsies extended their lead after 37 minutes. A long ball upfield fron Brian Murphy was sublimely controlled by Crowe, who moved the ball inside to Ryan McCann. The Scottish midfielder found the overlapping Singh who struck a powerful shot at goal. Gregg appeared to have saved it, but somehow managed to deflect the ball onto the post and into the path of Mansaram who tapped home the rebound into an empty net.
UCD's woes were compounded minutes later when influential midfielder Shane McFaul limped off with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Pete Mahon was not prepared to take any chances and immediately replaced him with Ronan Finn.
The Students began the second half brightly and almost pulled a goal back in spectacular fashion. Pat McWalter picked up a loose ball just outside the Bohemians' penalty area and pulled the ball back to Finn. The creative midfield struck at goal with a magnificent effort from 35 yards. However the ball sailed inches over the crossbar, with Murphy well beaten.
Poor UCD defending almost gifted Bohs a third goal. Evan McMillan took to long in attempting to clear the ball and his clearance was blocked by a Bohs' attacker. The ball fell fortuitously to Darren Mansaram but his shot at goal hit the inside of the post, much to the relief of the visitors.
UCD continued to be a threat and again created goalscoring opportunites. Ronan Finn capatalised on hesitation from Kevin Hunt in midfield and set off on a surging run through the heart of the Bohemians' defence. He picked out McWalter with a pass to his left but the Wicklow native shot straight at Murphy.
The tempo of the game began to slow down as both sides made changes to their teams. Bohs were content to sit back and allow UCD to try and break them down. As a result the remainder of the game was devoid of many scoring opportunities.
UCD had one last chance to get on the scoresheet late on. The lively Finn continued to impose himself on the game and his sliding challenge left Conan Byrne one-on-one with Brian Murphy. However the diminutive winger shot weakly at goal, albeit with his weaker left foot.
This defeat for UCD means that they are still not quite safe from the relegation battle. With only one win in their last eight league games they have dragged themselves down the table and an anxioius few weeks lie ahead.
UCD: Gregg; Shorthall (A. Doyle '71), McMillan (Kenna '63), McNally, Bermingham; McWalter, McDonnell, King, McFaul (Finn '41), C. Byrne; Moran.
Subs not used: Quigley, Forsyth.
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