Dundalk returned to the FAI Premier Divsion on Friday night when they were unlucky not to take a point from the current League of Ireland and FAI Cup winners Bohemians. It was a great occasion and a fabulous atmosphere with an estimated 4,500 people in attendance. Before the match Dundalk had sold their 650th season ticket - a club record - and the stand completely sold out by kick-off. The opening league match proved to be more enticing to the football public than the Celtic match. RTE covered the match live - the first time a Dundalk league match was covered live on TV since 1998 - the scene was set for a great night's entertainment.

Dundalk lined out with just two players - Chris Bennion and Simon Kelly - who started on that famous night back in November in Kildare. Sean Connor suffered a blow before the game when Michael Collins was ruled out. Issues regarding his international clearance were revealed on RTE's coverage - but Sean Connor also revealed in his post match interview that the former Portadown and Newry player had also picked up an injury in training. Collins' absence meant a reshuffle in the pack. Michael Daly made his debut in the centre of midfield alongside Chris Turner. Simon Kelly moved to a right-back role with Shaun Kelly moved into the right side of midfield.

The match had very few clear-cut chances. The first talking point came after 12 minutes. George O'Callaghan's free-kick was blatantly blocked by Glen Crowe's left arm. O'Callaghan then picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on Anto Murphy. Dundalk were much the brighter side. After 21 minutes O'Callaghan's superb free-kick was headed against the crossbar by Michael Daly with Brian Murphy well beaten.

Bohs upped their game in the closing stages. After 38 minutes, Dundalk cleared a Killian Brennan corner only for Glenn Cronin to head the ball back towards the Dundalk goal. Anto Murphy found himself unmarked with only Bennion to beat but his weak shot was easily saved. Joseph Ndo swung in a great cross from the right wing that Cronin headed straight at Bennion. Mark Rossitor then tried his luck from 25 yards that Bennion got down quickly to save. In injury time, Bennion was relieved to see Paul Keegan's over-hit free-kick from the sideline go fractionally wide. Neale Fenn then spotted the Dundalk keeper off his line and tried to lob him from 40 yards but Bennion was able to save.

Dundalk started the 2nd half brightly and looked comfortable. It took until the 67th minute before a clear chance was created. Dave Rogers swept over a great cross from the right that Turner couldn't direct on target. Dundalk seemed under no threat until Owen Heary ventured forward unchallenged after 71 minutes and fired a great ball into the box. Joseph N'Do managed to get between Thomas Heary and Simon Kelly and produced a magnificent header from 10 yards into the top corner past Bennion. Chris Turner was denied by a fine defensive tackle by Heary before Murphy was relieved when he fluffled at a corner. Dundalk's best chance for an equaliser came after 75 minutes when Simon Kelly produced a fine run and cross that Turner headed wide of the target from a good position. Declan O'Brien then had a shout for a penalty when he was challenged by Heary. After 77 minutes, Thomas Heary lost out to N'Do who broke free on goal and lobbed the advancing Bennion. Somehow, Simon Kelly managed to get back to clear off the line.

Sean Connor replaced Declan O'Brien with Tiarnan Mulvenna and after 82 minutes the young star provoked one of the major talking points of the game. Having been fed with a low pass from Harpal Singh - Mulvenna had the opportunity to shoot on goal but delayed to take a second touch. Gary Deegan came in from behind and clearly knocked Mulvenna off the ball. It was a clear penalty but the referee waved play on. Sean Connor took his frustration out on the 4th official and was asked to watch the remaining minutes from the stands.

Bohs showed their quality by playing out the remaining minutes comfortably. Not the result Dundalk wanted but it was a night when the positives far outweighed the negatives. It's good to be back!

Dundalk: Bennion, Simon Kelly, Rogers, Heary, Burns, Turner, Daly, Shaun Kelly, Singh, O'Callaghan, O'Brien
Subs: Mulvenna for O'Brien.

Bohs: B Murphy, A Murphy, Heary, McGuinness, Rossitor, Ndo, Cronin, Keegan, Brennan, Fenn, Crowe.
Subs: Carey for Cronin, Deegan for Crowe.

Ref: D McKeon