Devanney goal decides derby

Kevin Devanney’s goal a minute before the interval was enough for Bohemians to overcome Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin derby game at Tallaght Stadium last night.

Bohs were pressing quickly with Karl Devanney especially bright in a lone striker role and his inviting low cross in the 19th minute just evaded the outstretched boot of the incoming Moore as the visitors looked to gain reward for their early pressure.

Gradually, the Hoops began to find some rhythm and Gregg Murray showed excellent reflexes to keep out a Feely deflection from Pat Sullivan’s centre before Tommy Stewart rattled Murray’s crossbar from 20 yards after Gary McCabe had dispossessed Ricardo Lopes.

Despite that pressure, Rovers fell behind in the 44th minute as Jansson flapped at a Ward free-kick, allowing Devanney to showcase his predatory instincts with a smart finish from six yards.

On the restart Ward shot wastefully wide at one end while Gary Twigg was desperately unlucky to see his improvised attempt cannon off Murray’s crossbar in the 50th minute.

Bohs tried hit on the counter-attack and substitute Kenny Corr should have wrapped up the points in the 84th minute but his strike was placed too close to Jansson who saved well to his right.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Jansson; Sullivan, Oman, Hawkins, O’Connor; McCabe (Kilduff 60), Rice, Finn, Dennehy (Brennan 74); Stewart (Greene 82), Twigg.

BOHEMIANS: Murray; Barker, Feely, McMillan, Lopes; Buckley, Pender, Ward (O’Connor 90), Mulcahy, Moore (Mulligan 68); Devanney (Corr 83).

Referee: P McLaughlin (Monaghan).