Match Report: Dundalk FC 1-2 Bohemian FC

Dundalk were left to rue a number of controversial moments as Bohemians edged a dramatic contest at Oriel Park, with a late rally from the Lilywhites falling just short.

The visitors appeared to be on course for a comfortable victory after Colm Whelan's first-half penalty and a Ross Tierney strike midway through the second period gave them a two-goal cushion. However, Daryl Horgan's penalty with two minutes remaining breathed new life into the contest before Bohemians were reduced to ten men when Cian Byrne was sent off moments later for bringing down Harry Groome.

That set up a frantic finale, with Dundalk pushing hard for an equaliser and Bobby Burns coming agonisingly close when he clipped the top of the crossbar from the resulting free-kick. Despite the late pressure, Bohemians managed to hold on and take all three points.

There was a sense of frustration for Ciarán Kilduff's side, who will feel several key decisions went against them during the evening. The breakthrough goal arrived from the penalty spot on 26 minutes after referee Damien MacGraith pointed to the spot following challenges involving Aodh Dervin, Connor Parsons and Mayowa Animasahun. Whelan made no mistake from twelve yards to put the visitors ahead.

Dundalk supporters were further incensed shortly afterwards when Parsons escaped with a yellow card following a robust challenge on Harvey Warren, having already been heavily involved in the penalty incident.

The Lilywhites had made a positive start and created the first opening of the game when Warren met Dervin's floated free-kick, although his header was comfortably gathered by Paul Walters. Leo Gaxha also threatened in the opening stages, while Enda Minogue produced an excellent stop midway through the half to deny Parsons after a dangerous run down the left.

Both sides created chances before the interval, with Minogue and Walters called into action, but it was Bohemians who carried a 1-0 lead into the break.

Dundalk began the second period brightly and were unfortunate not to find an equaliser when Gaxha's delivery picked out Burns, whose effort was blocked. Instead, the visitors doubled their advantage on 68 minutes from their first corner of the evening. Jordan Flores' delivery was headed back across goal by Patrick Hickey and Tierney stretched to divert the ball home despite Horgan's efforts on the line.

The hosts responded positively and continued to battle, but it seemed the game was slipping away until Norman Garbett was brought down inside the penalty area late on. Horgan confidently dispatched the resulting spot-kick to halve the deficit and set up a tense finish.

Bohemians then found themselves down to ten men when Byrne was shown a red card after hauling down Groome, who had raced onto a loose clearance. From the ensuing free-kick, Burns came within inches of rescuing a point, his effort grazing the top of the crossbar.

Ultimately Dundalk were left empty-handed despite a spirited finish, while Bohemians departed Oriel Park with three valuable points in the title race.

Dundalk: Minogue; Warren (Vassenin 54), Animasahun, Grivosti, Burns; Buckley, Dervin (Garbett 72); Clarke (McDaid 72), Teahan (Groome 83), Horgan; Gaxha (Dillon 72).

Bohemians: Walters; Power (Morahan 81), Hickey, Byrne, Mullen (Diallo 62); Devoy, Flores; Tierney, Vaughan (Myers 62), Parsons (Rooney 77); Whelan (James-Taylor 62).

Referee: Damien MacGraith.