Dawson Devoy delivered a dramatic 90th-minute winner for Bohemians to snatch a 2-1 victory over Drogheda United at Dalymount Park. The captain's late strike keeps the Gypsies' title ambitions alive, moving them level on 56 points with second-placed St Patrick's Athletic and just three behind champions Shamrock Rovers with five matches remaining.
Connor Parsons had given the hosts a first-half lead, his goal arriving after a build-up from Colm Whelan and taking a deflection over Drogheda goalkeeper Luke Dennison. The visitors responded in the 73rd minute when Andrew Quinn bundled the ball home from six yards after a corner, with Edwin Agbaje forcing the ball back into the danger area.
Late drama at Dalymount
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Devoy provided the decisive moment in the final minute of normal time. The Republic of Ireland international's intervention secured a vital three points in front of a crowd of 4,401.
Manager Kevin Doherty kept faith with the same starting eleven for a third consecutive match in a busy week. The decision was rewarded with a performance full of grit, though Drogheda created chances of their own. Alfie Bates shot wide from six yards in the first half, while substitute goalkeeper Fynn Talley, who replaced the injured Dennison before the break, made a stunning late save to deny Bohemians substitute Douglas James-Taylor.
Title race intensifies
The result leaves Bohemians in a strong position in a tight title race. They currently sit third in the Premier Division with 53 points from 30 games, claiming a goal difference of plus 17. Their recent form shows four wins and a draw from the last five outings, a run that includes a 3-2 comeback win away to Galway United.
Defender Pat Hickey was a key figure in the heart of the backline. His father, a Chicago native and a cult figure among supporters this season, was seen celebrating passionately by the Jodi Stand before kick-off. "He raised his arms in the air and was shaking his fists with delightful abandon, leaning over one of the advertising boards," he said. "He looked like the happiest man in the world."
The match was not without controversy, as the Drogheda manager was shown a red card by referee Hennessy for dissent in the second half. With the redevelopment of Dalymount Park delayed, the club has secured an extended stay at their historic home until at least the end of May 2027.
The report in full is at The 42
