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Date Time League Season
27 October 2023 7:45 pm LOI Men's Premier Division 2023

Match Report

Dundalk Strike Late To Keep European Dream Alive

Priceless influence in priceless moments as Dundalk will take it down to the last day of the season to see if they can clinch the coveted fourth place in the league following a 2-0 win over Bohemians that they fully deserved.

Grit, determination and will to keep going has not been words that been associated with the Lilywhites this season but in a week where it’s been difficult off the pitch, they laid it all out on the line on the pitch. And the man at the centre of many of the stories Patrick Hoban inspired his side twice to set up goals that led to this victory.

nd the man at the centre of many of the stories Patrick Hoban inspired his side twice to set up goals that led to this victory.

Nathan Sheppard was called into action in the opening thirty seconds when he was forced to block a shot from Afolabi and within minutes of the game Dundalk were forced to make a change with Gibraltar international Louie Annesley going off due to injury, the swap made little difference in a contest that was sharp from the off. Dundalk looking to stamp some authority on the match had early sights on goal with Cameron Elliot and Robbie Benson going close with Krystian Nowak missing the target from the visitors following a clever delivery from Jordan Flores.

Dundalk continued to press with a series of corners with the third causing the most contention as Andy Boyle’s header appeared to come off the arm of a Bohemians player but the referee waved away the protest. Bohemians had the last chance of the first half with a corner going too close for comfort for the home crowd. Bohs despite not showing much in the first half showed their danger.

Despite a nervy opening touches to the second half Dundalk created the best opening change of the second period when a brilliant cross from Horgan was met by O'Kane with his strike was stopped by Talbot from close range. Dylan Connolly had a chance to open the scoring with a delightful chip that was tipped over the bar by Sheppard in what was a real chance for the away side. Conor Malley was to go close for the Lilywhites after some patient build-up the ball it fell to Malley and it was inches wide of the post.

The patience was to pay off – the screams started from the stand to bring Hoban on, he was brought on and with that, the game went Dundalk’s way.

They were to take the lead following as Patrick Hoban was to make an immediate impact as he won the header from the corner and was probably unlucky not to have a penalty but the ball broke to Paul Doyle who slotted it home what could be a huge goal for Dundalk.

Afolabi was to have a great chance to level the tie with a cross from the right and saw the striker rise highest to head it but it flew over the bar. The next phase of the attack saw Dundalk double their lead. Daniel Kelly latched onto a Patrick Hoban through ball and he slotted it past Talbot to score his 25th goal for Dundalk.

A massive night in Oriel both on and off the pitch. Patrick Hoban showed that he is still in a different class. 

Dundalk

1Nathan Sheppard Goalkeeper
2Archie Davies Defender
4Andy Boyle Defender
5Louie Annesley 21 Defender
8Robbie Benson Midfielder
10Greg Sloggett Midfielder
14Cameron Elliott Forward 55'
15Daryl Horgan Midfielder
16Hayden Muller Defender 45'
28Ryan O’Kane 7 Forward
29Senan Mullen 27 Midfielder
13Peter Cherrie Goalkeeper
3Darragh Leahy Defender
7Daniel Kelly 28 Midfielder 90'
9Patrick Hoban Forward
17Keith Ward Midfielder
19Darren Brownlie Defender
21Paul Doyle 5 Midfielder 77'
22Sam Durrant Midfielder
27Connor Malley 29 Midfielder

Bohemians

1James Talbot Goalkeeper
2Bartlomiej Kukulowicz Defender 86'
3Paddy Kirk 11 Defender
4Krystian Nowak Defender 32'
6Jordan Flores 14 Midfielder
9Jonathan Afolabi Forward
10Dylan Connolly Forward
12Danny Grant 7 Midfielder
13Kacper Radkowski Defender 34'
15James Clarke 8 Midfielder
17Adam McDonnell Midfielder
5Louie Holzman Defender
7Declan McDaid 12 Midfielder
8Ali Coote 15 Midfielder
11James Akintunde 3 Forward
14James McManus 6 Midfielder
18John O’Sullivan Midfielder
22Dean Williams Forward
24Cian Byrne Defender
25Daniel Negry-McGrath Midfielder
  • 90'

    KELLY: That's Kelly's 25th league goal for the club incidentally.

  • 90'

    GOAL: And that seals the tie, Daniel Kelly broke down the right from a clever through ball and slots it neatly under Talbot.

  • 90'

    ADDED TIME: Five added minutes. It all hinges on these 300 seconds now.

  • 86'

    YELLOW: Kukulowicz gets a yellow for a foul on Durrant.

  • 84'

    CHANCE: What a chance for Afolabi as a cross from the right saw the striker rise highest to head it but it flies over the bar. This is nervous times for Dundalk here.

  • 77'

    MORE ON THE GOAL: Patrick Hoban makes an immediate impact as he wins the header from the corner probably unlucky not to have a penalty but the ball breaks to Paul Doyle who slots home what could be a huge goal for Dundalk.

  • 77'

    SUB: Before the goal and the madness: Patrick Hoban and Sam Durrant came on for Elliott and Horgan

  • 77'

    GOAL: Dundalk take the lead following a corner sent in causes all sorts of trouble and Paul Doyle is at the back post to slam it home.

  • 74'

    CHANCE: Archie Davies with a fantastic cross which had to be turned over for a corner.

  • 74'

    CHANCE: A free kick sent in meets Coote at the back post but he heads it wide. A let off for the home side.

  • 70'

    SUB: Bohs make two further changes with McDaid and Coote coming on for Grant and Clarke.

  • 65'

    SUB: Dundalk make thier third change with Daniel Kelly coming on for O'Kane.

  • 62'

    SUB: Flores is replaced by McManus in Bohs first change of the game.

  • 61'

    SHOT: What a chance for Dundalk after some patient build up the ball falls to Malley and its literally inches wide of the post.

  • 55'

    YELLOW: Cameron Elliot gets a caution for a foul.

  • 53'

    CHANCE: Dylan Connolly with a delightfuly chip that is tipped over the bar by Sheppard in what was a real chance of the away side to open the scoring. Both sides carved a real opening inside the opening ten minutes.

  • 48'

    CHANCE: What a chance for Dundalk, a brilliant cross from Horgan meets O'Kane and his excellent strike is brilliantly stopped by Talbot.

  • 46'

    RESTART: Dundalk restart proceedings and we are underway. A big half for both clubs.

  • 45'

    GREG: Break in play as Sloggett is injured.

  • 45'

    ADDED TIME: Four added minutes here.

  • 45'

    YELLOW: Things have been a bit tetchy in this first half and Hayden Muller gets a caution, O'Donnell for his protests also gets a yellow.

  • 42'

    DUNDALK: By all accounts Dundalk are the better side here at present, they have put Bohemians under pressure but they have to make it count.

  • 38'

    BIG CALL: A corner sent in the third in quick succession sees the ball fly off a Bohemians player and wide, there is massive calls for a handball.

  • 34'

    YELLOW: Radkowski gets a yellow for taking Cameron Elliot as he bore down on goal. The free kick was swung in by Horgan which is deflected for a corner.

  • 33'

    CHANCE: Senan Mullen fires high and wide after a good cut back from the left by O'Kane from a free kick routine.

  • 32'

    YELLOW: Horgan broke free following some quick one touch play and the winger is brought down and Nowak gets a yellow.

  • 28'

    CHANCE: Dundalk break down the right with Davies cross to Elliot at the back post just going over. The delivery was pin point.

  • 22'

    CHANCE: Sloggett misplaced his footing and his passback was short which led to Sheppard striking the ball off Coote and it goes over.

  • 18'

    CHANCE: Flores free kick is sent into the Dundalk area and Nowak gets a connection that just goes wide.

  • 17'

    CHANCE: A deep cross to the back post by Archie Davies was was nearly met by Cameron Elliot at the back post by Talbot was alert to the danger.

  • 12'

    SHOT: Robbie Benson has the first shot on goal for Dundalk that is blocked down by Krystian Nowak.

  • 9'

    To describe the first ten minutes as full blooded would be an understatement, there is tackles flying in with no room to spare.

  • 5'

    SUB: Paul Doyle comes on for Louie Annesley with a tactical change that sees Sloggett slots into centre back.

  • 2'

    LOUIE: It looks as if Annesley night is run after only a few minutes and Dundalk will have to make a change.

  • 1'

    SAVE: An early sight on goal as Afolabi is slipped through, his low effort is well saved by Sheppard, seconds later Annesley is down injured but Bohs continued and Adolabi has another go but his effort is saved.

  • KICK OFF: We are underway at Oriel Park.

  • FOR THE FINAL TIME: The home season is about to conclude as the players arrive out onto the pitch for the final time. A rather subdued affair considering that fourth is still up for grabs. The noise surrounding the club over the last few days have not been good. Tonight could be a cracker or a whimper. We await and see.

  • HORGAN: Daryl Horgan makes his 150th appearance for Dundalk this evening. Horgan has scored 4 goals in 15 previous appearances against Bohs – 2 for Dundalk and 2 for Cork but both his strikes for the Lilywhites came at Dalymount Park in 2-0 wins in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

  • BENSON: Robbie Benson has shrugged off the groin problem that saw him withdrawn after 40 minutes in Sligo last week to make what is the 425th appearance of his career tonight. His first league start for Dundalk came more in a 2-0 win away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park on April 29th 2016 – a game Daryl Horgan’s opener was added to by a Derek Prendergast OG in the second half.

  • BOYLE: Andy Boyle will captain Dundalk tonight. It's his first start at Oriel Park since the 2-2 draw with KA on August 3rd – he played 84 minutes that night.

  • REF WATCH: Tonight’s referee is Rob Hennessy. The Limerick man will be assisted by Dermot Broughton and Shane O’Brien with Oliver Moran the 4th official. Hennessy is refereeing his second game in 72 hours having officiated the UEFA Youth League match between Manchester Utd and FC Kobenhavn in Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday – a game the Danes won 1-0 courtesy of Queryell Tchiamboud’s 84th minute goal.

  • BOHS: Bohs had been undefeated in their previous 4 matches prior to their 2-0 defeat at home to St Pat’s last Friday. Before that they had won 2-1 away to UCD, beaten Sligo Rovers 3-1 at Dalymount Park and drawn against both Shelbourne and Drogheda.

  • THE PAST: Dundalk were last in action on this day in 2017 as goals from Niclas Vemmelund, Jamie McGrath, Patrick McEleney and Michael Duffy helped Stephen Kenny’s side to a 4-3 win away to Galway Utd in a game which saw the Tribesmen relegated from the top flight. They'll be back in 2024.

  • SKIP VS BOHS: Tonight is Stephen O’Donnell’s 16th time managing against Bohemians. He has won 6, drawn 4 and lost 5 of the previous 15 games. He had been undefeated against them as Dundalk boss prior to Bohs’ 2-1 win at Dalymount Park back in February but has yet to get the better of them this season

  • LAST SEASON: A year ago tomorrow – October 28th 2022 – Dundalk were 2-1 winners over Bohemians at Oriel Park with first half goals from David McMillan and Runar Hauge securing European football for Stephen O’Donnell’s side. Ethon Varian got an 89th minute consolation for the visitors.

  • IN ORIEL: The sides also played out a 2-2 draw at Oriel Park back in May when second half goals from Krystian Nowak and Ali Coote saw the Gypsies rescue a point having trailed 2-0 at the break courtesy of Patrick Hoban’s opener and James Talbot’s own goal.

  • LAST TIME: Bohs won the last game between the sides 3-2 at Dalymount Park on July 7th. Despite falling behind to a 15th minute goal from James McManus, Dundalk went 2-1 ahead before the break with goals from Johannes Yli-Kokko and Connor Malley. However, two goals in as many minutes from John O’Sullivan (82) and Jonathan Afolabi (84) saw Bohs come out on top.

  • HOW THEY FARE: It's game number 349 between Dundalk and Bohs tonight and the 213th league meeting between the pair. Dundalk have won 75, drawn 61 and lost 76

  • Good Evening fro Oriel Park, Ciaran Callan here for the final time this season to bring you live coverage of Dundalk FC vs Bohemians.

Past Meetings

(Round 23)
3 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC 3-2 Dundalk FC

(Round 16)
2 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC 2-2 Bohemian FC

(Round 2)
2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC 2-1 Dundalk FC

(Round 35)
2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk 2-1 Bohemian FC

(Round 27)
0 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC 0-1 Dundalk

(Round 15)
3 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk v Bohemian FC

(Round 2)
2 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk

(Series 31)
1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk

(Series 20)
2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk v Bohemian FC

(Series 13)
5 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk

(Series 4)
0 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk v Bohemian FC

(Quarter Final)
1 - 4
FAI Cup
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk

(Series 16)
0 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk v Bohemian FC

(Series 7)
2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk

2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

0 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

1 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

2 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

0 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

3 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

0 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

0 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

2 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

1 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

2 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

1 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

3
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

3 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Dalymount Park

Bohemian FC v Dundalk FC

1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Oriel Park

Dundalk FC v Bohemian FC

Ground

Oriel Park
Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk No. 3 Urban, The Municipal District of Dundalk, County Louth, Leinster, A91 RC44, Ireland

Ciaran Callan is a part-time sports journalist based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. He has more than 10 year’s experience working with media companies including both extensive radio broadcasting experience along with print and digital media reporting for the SSE Airtricity League as well digital media work with the national sports company eirSport. He joined FinalWhistle in February 2021 as is their main correspondent for Dundalk Football Club.