Alan Reynolds’ Bohs beat Rovers and Pats in double derby cheer

Bohemians came from two goals down to beat Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers in a pulsating Dublin derby in Tallaght Stadium on Monday 21st April. Bohs then went on to host title hopefuls St Pats on the Friday.

Alan Reynolds had gone into the first derby as a manager under severe pressure, with Bohs going into the game with poor form, despite beating Cork in their previous game. It looked as though Rovers would put a few past the Gypsies after two quick fire goals in the first half put the Hoops seemingly in control of the game. 

Calls for Reynolds to be sacked at half time were audible from the away end in Tallaght. 

There was however a sense that Bohs had come out with a point to prove in the second half, coupled with the notion of a slight bit of arrogance from their cross city rivals, they would eventually make their dominance in possession count and score three goals in a 25 minute spell to turn the game on its head and in doing, so hand the side in red and black their first win in Tallaght since Easter 2019. 

Bohs needed to show that this was not a once off, and that they could back this up with another win, or if not that, at least a performance that the Dalymount outfit can be proud of. 

If Bohs were to have lost against St Pats, the pressure would have right back on the Bohs head coach, but the teams 2-1 win on the day may well bring a feel-good factor heading back to Dublin 7 of a successful season that has, for a few weeks now looked like it was heading for another disappointing one.

St Pats came into the game in second place in the LOI, following their 0-0 draw away at table toppers, and last season’s FAI Cup winners Drogheda United. 

Reynolds made it three wins in a week, and will hope to keep this run of form up to help the team move closer to the European qualification places.