Derry fail to keep title pressure on Shels with draw against Bohs
Patrick Hoban of Derry City appeals for a decision during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match against Bohemians. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Bohemians bounced back at the Brandywell when holding Derry City to a share of the spoils thanks to a dedicated performance which saw them lead the Candystripes by a goal at the break.
A Pat Hoban header brought the home side back into the match, but they failed to build on that despite creating a series of chances in the second half.
The home side, therefore, failed to keep the pressure on Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers while the share of the spoils sees Bohs ease away from any relegation difficulties.
Derry now sit three points adrift of Shelbourne with a game in hand against Sligo Rovers which will take place at the Brandywell on Monday evening.
Bohs made it clear from the outset that Derry would be facing a much tougher challenge than that which saw them lose 2-0 in the FAI Cup.
Indeed Dayle Rooney warmed the palms of Derry's keeper Brian Maher in the early action, the keeper pushing the effort over the crossbar.
The home side threatened in the 10th minute when a superb free-kick forced Kacper Chorazka into a superb save when touching the ball onto the crossbar, Michael Duffy attempting to emulate his superb strike at Dalymount.
Well organised and displaying no shortage of energy, Jordan Flores did well to clear the ball off his goal-line in the 15th minute, the defender getting down low to block a Paul McMullan shot.
However, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute to stun the Foyleside attendance of 3,123.
The move was fashioned by a superb passing move down the left flank before the ball found the figure of Archie Meekison and he produced a superb finish to record his first goal for his new club.
Will Patching really should have restored equality at for the home side when Paul McMullan played him into a one-on-situation with Chorazka minutes later but the keeper managed to block the effort.
Bohs maintained their tenacity following the change of ends but on the hour the home side grabbed a vital equaliser following a set-piece.
Duffy floated the ball into the danger area and the corner was met by Pat Hoban who headed his side back into the game.
Brandywell erupted on the 77 minute when a break down the right by substitute Danny Mullen saw him deliver a perfect cross but McMullan crashed his volley onto the upright and Bohs breathed a sigh of relief.
Derry owned the ball and sub Sean Robertson weaved his way into the danger area but he was crowded out at the vital moment.
Derry now have it all to do with the visit of Sligo on Monday and a win for the Bit o' Red would see them level on points with the Candystripes.
Maher; Boyce, Connolly, Wisdom, Doherty (Mullen, 57); Diallo, Patching (Coll, 62); McMullan (Robertson, 88), O'Reilly, Duffy; Hoban.
Chorazka, Kirk, Mills, Byrne, Flores (Carroll, 75); Devoy, McDonnell (McMannus, 85); Clarke (Piszczek 75), Meekison (Grant, 70), Rooney; Tierney.
N. Doyle (Dublin).
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