Bohemians go six points clear after Brandywell victory

Derry City 0

Bohemians 1

Declan Devine made a winning return to the Brandywell as Bohemians went six points clear at the top of the Premier Division. 

The former Derry City boss watched his team produce a professional display in a game that was settled by a controversial second half penalty which was converted by Dean Williams. 

It was the same old story for Derry City who struggled to create in the final third and it is now just one win in five home games this season.

There was almost a huge moment for Shane McEleney on 12 minutes when he came within inches of scoring his first Derry City goal in 13 years when he headed just wide from Ben Doherty’s corner.

James Talbot was finally called into action early in the second half, but it was a straightforward save from the Bohemians goalkeeper after McGonigle had been sent too wide from Ryan Graydon’s ball in behind.

A game that was devoid of goalmouth action was sparked into life by referee Neil Doyle’s decision to award Bohs a penalty on 64 minutes following a challenge by Ollie O’Neill on Kris Twardek. City goalkeeper Brian Maher guessed the right way and git a hand to it, but it was not enough t0 prevent Dean Williams’ spot-kick from finding the net to make it 1-0 to the league leaders.

Derry struggled to respond, but they almost grabbed a late equaliser when substitute Brandon Kavanagh brought a brilliant save from Talbot, with a superbly hit half-volley which brought the best from the Bohs goalkeeper.

Talbot then produced a point blank save to deny Jordan McEneff as Bohs held on despite late pressure from the hosts. 

Teams

DERRY CITY: Maher, Boyce (B Kavanagh 85’), Coll, S McEleney, Doherty, Patching (Diallo 74’), O’Reilly, P McEleney (McEneff 74’), O’Neill (C Kavanagh 74’), Graydon, McGonigle.

BOHEMIANS: Talbot, Benn (Baker 59’), Horton, Radkowski, Kirk, Clarke (Flores 59’), Buckley (O’Sullivan 88’), McDonnell, Twardek, Connolly (Afolabi 74’), Williams (McDaid 74’).  

REFEREE: Neil Doyle.