Bohemians defeated Shamrock Rovers for the first time since 2019 to inflict further woes to Stephen Bradley’s side at Dalymount Park.

Both sides came into this second Dublin Derby of the season on the back of big wins – Bohemians beating Drogheda United 5-0 on Friday night with Shamrock Rovers defeating Waterford FC 4-1 on the same night.

Keith Long and Stephen Bradley both made one change to their sides for this evening’s clash in North Dublin, with club captain Keith Buckley coming into the starting eleven in place of Conor Levingston for the home side, while Gary O’Neill got the nod over Aaron Greene for the Tallaght side.

The home side started with a quick tempo, hoping to catch the Rovers defence off-guard in the opening minutes. However, it was the Hoops to created the better of the chances early on.

There was only 8 minutes on the clock when Rory Gaffney got on the end of a Sean Gannon cross, but somehow the Galway-native’s effort flew high and wide of James Talbot’s goal. Two minutes later, Gaffney had another glorious chance to open the scoring in Dalymount.

After Rovers regained possession near the Bohs corner flag in-front of the Jodi stand, Rory Gaffney raced along the byline before his looping effort clipped the Bohemians crossbar and Rory Feely eventually cleared the loose ball.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Rory Gaffney had his third chance of the game to break the deadlock. Former Bohemians star Danny Mandroiu won possession back from the Bohemians defence before laying off to Graham Burke, who in-turn found Gaffney, but James Talbot got down well to deny the former Salford-man.

This game was a real Dublin Derby – minus the rip-roaring atmosphere it usually provides. Despite there being 100 Bohemians fans in attendance, it just didn’t feel quite the same as what we’re used to seeing between these two sides.

Lee Grace, Chris McCann & Sean Hoare all picked up bookings for the Hoops from Neil Doyle in the first-half, as both side went into the break scoreless.

Stephen Bradley’s side have struggled with injuries this season, and the Hoops injury list got longer this evening when Chris McCann pulled up after only five minutes into the second half and was forced to be replaced by Rovers club captain Ronan Finn – who himself is only back from injury after a recent operation.

Georgie Kelly stole the show last Friday by netting an impressive four goals against Drogheda United in Dalymount, and he was the main character once again tonight when he broke the deadlock eleven minutes into the second-half.

Liam Burt ran across the Rovers defence from the left-wing, before laying off to Kelly to strike first-time across Alan Mannus in the Rovers goal to give Keith Long’s side the lead in the Derby – the first time they led a Dublin Derby since Danny Mandroiu’s incredible 30 yard effort for Bohemians against Shamrock Rovers back in June of 2019.

Danny Mandroiu & Graham Burke both fired low-powerful drives that forced James Talbot into action in the final half-an hour of the game in Dalymount Park, as the home side comfortably saw out the game to win their first Dublin Derby in just over two years.

Up next for Bohemians is a trip to the West as Keith Long’s side face Sligo Rovers in The Showgrounds this Saturday (Kick-off at 7:45pm). Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers welcome Drogheda United back to the capital this Friday in an 8pm kick-off which will be played in-front of 1,000 spectators.

Bohemians: 1. James Talbot; 4. Rory Feely, 5. Rob Cornwall (85′ James Finnerty), 6. Ciaran Kelly, 19. Tyreke Wilson; 16. Keith Buckley (C), 28. Dawson Devoy; 11. Liam Burt (81′ Keith Ward), 8. Ali Coote, 26. Ross Tierney (93′ Conor Levingston); 12. Georgie Kelly.

Shamrock Rovers: 1. Alan Mannus; 3. Sean Hoare, 4. Roberto Lopes (C), 5. Lee Grace (64′ Aaron Greene); 2. Sean Gannon, 16. Gary O’Neill, 26. Chris McCann (54′ Ronan Finn), 15. Liam Scales; 10. Graham Burke, 20. Rory Gaffney, 14. Danny Mandroiu.

Attendance: 100.