Champions League: Bohemians defeat Levadia

Bohemians defeated Estonian champions Levadia Maardu with a devestating display in the Champions League first qualifying round first-leg at Dalymount Park.

A goal from centre-half Shaun Maher and brace from Glen Crowe gave the Dubliners a comfortable victory over a poor Maardu side.

The National League champions had a dream start in the opening minute when Paul Byrne's deep cross was met by Shaun Maher, who powered a header past Ernest Martinsons in the Maardu goal.

And on 10 minutes, Bohs again took advantage of their early domination to double their lead.

A cross from the right by Byrne was met by Crowe, and last season's top goalscorer headed the ball into the net.

Maardu's only chance of the first half came shortly before the half-hour mark.

Full-back Aleksandr Tatarinov met a corner with a fierce volley, but it was comfortably dealt with by Wayne Russell in the Bohemians' goal.

After the break the Gypsies further increased their lead after they were awarded a penalty kick. Mark Rutherford was clumsily fouled by Tatarinov, and Crowe coolly converted the resulting penalty low to Martinsons' right.

Maardu might have had an undeserved away goal to take into the second leg, but Vitali Leitan blazed a good chance over the bar on 65 minutes.

Juri Leitan dragged the ball back to the substitute but he lost his composure and missed the goal from only six yards.

Bohemians face the Estonian champions in the return leg on July 18 in the National Stadium in Kabriorg, Talinn.

Bohemians manager Pete Mahon said: "We cannot take anything for granted in the second leg.

"But I am delighted with the victory and it was important that we did not concede any goals before travelling for the return game in Estonia next week."