Bohemians' Coote named player of the month

Bohemians winger Ali Coote has been voted the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland player of the month for March after a stellar month in which he starred in Bohemians ascent to the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The 24-year-old scored in Bohs' 3-1 win over Drogheda United and also hit the winning goal as Declan Devine's team beat UCD at Dalymount Park on St Patrick's Day.

Coote also notched two assists in the month, laying on goals for Jonathan Afolabi and James Akintunde, as his influence on Bohs' table-toppers was evident.

The win is Coote's second Player-of-the-Month accolade. He previously was awarded the prize in August 2021 when he excelled in the Gypsies UEFA Europa Conference League run, including scoring both goals in the famous 2-1 win over PAOK Salonika at the Aviva Stadium.

The midfielder joined Bohs from Waterford in December 2020. He began his career at Dundee United and has also played for East Fife and Brentford B.

The Scot finished first in the vote of SWI members just ahead of in-form Ruairi Keating, who hit four goals for newly promoted Cork City last month, in second. Derry City Ryan Graydon finished third in the vote.

He is the first Bohemians player to win the player of the month award since Georgie Kelly claimed it in September 2021, the last of four consecutive monthly wins for Bohs players.

Coote also becomes only the second Scottish player to win the award twice, following Gary Twigg who claimed the prize four times.

Speaking after receiving his award, Coote said: "I'm absolutely delighted. We've started well. Adam (McDonnell) was nominated for the first Player of the Month in February and it's obviously good to get the second one in March".

"My form's been good. But I think my form was