Bohemians produced a vital comeback to defeat St Patrick's Athletic 3-2 on Friday night, a result that moves them into second place in the Premier Division. The Gypsies responded to an early concession with goals from Jordan Flores, Cian Byrne and Connor Parsons to secure three key points.
Sean McHale gave the hosts a ninth-minute lead, but the visitors levelled when Flores found the net after 36 minutes. Byrne then turned the game on its head with a strike in first-half stoppage time, assisted by Patrick Hickey. Connor Parsons extended the advantage just before the hour mark, and though Kian Leavy pulled one back for St Pat's, Bohemians held on.
Match stats and discipline
The victory was built on a dominant attacking display, with Bohemians registering 20 shots to their opponents' 11 and creating chances worth an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.48. The contest was fiercely competitive, with both sides receiving four yellow cards apiece. Darragh Power, Patrick Hickey, Sam Todd and goalkeeper Paul Walters were all cautioned for the visitors.
The win lifts Bohemians to 62 points from 35 matches, solidifying their position in the race for European qualification. They now sit six points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers with a game in hand. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five outings, but this result provides significant momentum. This record of two wins and three defeats in their last five games includes a 0-1 home loss to Shelbourne on Friday 23 October and a 2-1 victory over Waterford on Friday 16 October.
Manager Reynolds named an attacking 3-4-3 formation, with Markuss Strods, Colm Whelan and Connor Parsons leading the line. Key substitutions in the second half, including the introductions of James Taylor and Senan Mullen, helped see out the tense finale. With the season reaching its climax, every point is critical. The team's overall record this season stands at 18 wins, eight draws and nine losses, having scored 60 goals and conceded 42. Their top scorer this campaign is J. Clarke with eight goals.
