Bohs put up fierce battle

Bohemians 0 Rosenborg 1

They were happy to leave Ireland with a precious away goal lead in the first leg of a second qualifying round tie that provided much excitement for a capacity 8,000 spectators at Dalymount Park last night.

The Irish champions would not have been flattered had they succeeded in drawing a game that produced much excitement, even if scoring chances were precious few at both ends of the pitch.

A brilliant defensive performance by Bohs ensured Rosenborg were unable to build on the lead goal they claimed after 35 minutes. While they seldom threatened to score themselves and were forced into deep defence for long periods, Bohs never betrayed their footballing instincts and were always composed.

There was no disputing Rosenborg’s superiority, for they always looked the more likely team to produce goals, but Bohs succeeded in keeping the gap between the teams to a minimum by dint of hard work and committed resistance.

Had they a better return from the fleeting chances they created in a sparkling opening 20 minutes, they might well have left Rosenborg with a greater task in the second leg.

Rosenborg survived the predictable onslaught from Bohs in that opening spell and changed the trend of the game when they scored after 35 minutes.

The goal was simplicity itself and pointed to an obvious difference between the teams, for the Norwegian champions had an obvious advantage in physique and made it tell in the 35th minute.

Harald Brattbakk, the former Celtic player, drilled a corner from the left wing to the near post and centre-forward, Karadas timed his run to perfection to meet the ball and turn it with his head into the roof of the net.

It was clinical and highly impressive and effected with such ease that one feared for Bohs’ future. But Rosenborg found it impossible to build on this advantage, even if they went close again after 89 minutes when full-back Damien Lynch took a header from Frode Johnsen off the goal-line, following a corner kick.

The Bohs defence was equal to every challenge in between, with Colin Hawkins in inspiring mood at centreback. They withstood some concerted pressure from Rosenborg to keep the tie alive even if the Norwegians are clearly now in a dominant position.

Rosenborg had the pedigree and the class you would expect from a club with such a distinguished history in the Champions’ League. Eleven consecutive national league titles in Norway afforded them a consistent passage into the preliminary rounds and the worldly-wise benefits were all too apparent.

They have successfully negotiated the early rounds to make it through to the league series of the competition for eight years in a row and it was easy to see why. No team has had such an unbroken tenancy amongst the elite of Europe.

They invested their football with such a sense of urgency that there was a real sense of purpose and a marvellous tempo to their work.

Their one-touch passing movements were a delight to watch and a real sense of frustration for Bohs. The Irish champions were never short of spirit and were always prepared to punish themselves in an effort to stay the pace but they were always second best and forced to chase the ball for long periods.

Bohs were forced to attempt to match the high-powered tempo of Rosenborg’s game and they suffered because of it.

Their final ball was invariably hurried and in consequence, inaccurate. It spoiled some wonderful work in defence and in midfield.

This was a shame because Bohs played to the peak of their powers. They were well-organised and disciplined and in Kevin Hunt, they had a general in midfield who spread the play well and mixed the pathway in attack to good effect.

He provoked a great response from wingers Barry Ryan and Mark Rutherford and they showed a promising ability to penetrate the Rosenborg defence. They were especially effective early in the game when Bohs were fresh, before the intensity of the contest and the weight of coping with physically powerful opponents took its toll.

The manner in which Bohs maintained their effort was remarkable and their achievement in holding Rosenborg to a single goal, deserved the highest praise.

The physical advantage enjoyed by Rosenborg, was nothing short of formidable, but Bohs rose manfully to the challenge. They showed that, with good technique, a disciplined formation and a superb level of fitness, that Rosenborg were never going to succeed in shaking loose from their challenge.

This was illustrated effectively when Bohs twice came close to salvaging a draw with two sniping attacks in the final three minutes of a match that provided lavish entertainment.

First it was substitute Fergal Harkin who caused Norwegian hearts to flutter when he ran on to a deflected shot from Glen Crowe to fire a shot across goal and narrowly wide in the 87th minute.

Next it was midfielder Stephen Caffrey who should have made better use of a speeding cross from Harking in the 90th minute. Caffrey arrived late in the penalty area and was able to rise unchallenged for a clean header, but unfortunately, he angled it over the top from 10 yards.

It was a pity that Bohs did not succeed in regaining equality. Despite being under pressure for long periods, they were always resourceful and willing. Rosenborg look certain to build on their substantial advantage when the teams meet again next week.

But Bohs performed with such distinction they raised the profile of the league yet again and gave their fans many reasons to feel proud of their effort.

BOHEMIANS (4-4-2): Kelly; Lynch, Hawkins, Heary, Webb; Ryan (Harkin 84), Caffrey, Hunt, Rutherford (Pereplyotkin 70); Crowe, Doyle (Keegan 60).

ROSENBORG (4-4-2): E. Johnsen; Basma, Riseth, Hoftun, Stensaas; George (Knutsen 71), F. Johnsen, Berg, Winsnes (Strand 83); Karados, Brattbakk.

Referee: B. Brugger (Austria).