Dundalk fight back twice to deny Bohemians

Dundalk twice fought back from behind to deny Bohemians a winning start to the season at Dalymount Park.

Having had their fixture away to Sligo Rovers last weekend fall victim to Storm Eunice, Keith Long's side were in action for the first time since losing last November’s FAI Cup final against a St Patrick’s Athletic side who were then managed by current Lilywhites head coach Stephen O’Donnell.

Twice they gave the sold-out home support reason to cheer as goals from Jordan Flores and Promise Omochere put them in front.

However, on each occasion Dundalk responded through Patrick Hoban and Steven Bradley as the Louth men settled for their second 2-2 draw of the campaign following last week’s draw with Derry City.

It was debutant Flores who had the first chance of the game on nine minutes when a rushed clearance by Andy Boyle broke to him at the edge of the box, but he could only pull his shot to the right and wide.

It looked like his former employers would then take the lead two minutes later when good combination play involving Hoban and Robbie Benson saw Daniel Kelly presented with a chance that looked certain to be a goal, but somehow James Finnerty got back to deny him.

Bohs dominated for the next period with inswinging corners from Ali Coote causing huge problems for the Dundalk defence. They almost took the lead on 16 minutes when Omochere rose highest to meet one of the Scot’s deliveries, but his effort flashed just wide of the post.

The breakthrough did arrive on 28 minutes when another Coote inswinger was nodded home by Flores on his debut.

The Gypsies’ lead would less last than two minutes, however, as Hoban met Dan Williams’ corner at the front post to head in the 160th goal of his career.

The equaliser turned the tide