James Clarke on target as Bohemians beat UCD

James Clarke scored his first goal for Bohemians, though they should have won by more in seeing off UCD at Dalymount Park.

A third win from four league games lifts Bohemians up to fifth in the table. Defeat sees UCD drop back down to the bottom on goal difference.

After a minute's applause was observed for their former director of sport Brian Mullins, who passed away earlier in the day, UCD started prominently, Dylan Duffy whipping a free-kick onto the roof of Tadhg Ryan’s net after just two minutes.

While Bohemians created a chance when Jamie Mullins’ touch let him down when he looked to be in behind from Jordan Doherty’s cross, UCD had started the better, spurning a glorious chance on 11 minutes.

Dara Keane’s tenacity got him to the end line on the right to cross. Alex Nolan’s hurried volley flashed wide when he had the time and space to have done better.

It was the 23rd minute before the home side came alive.

Midfielder Clarke skipped by several defenders down the inside-left channel before picking out Mullins, who shot into the side netting.

A poor defensive header from Alex Dunne then gifted Bohs winger Kris Twardek a shooting opportunity he didn’t decline.

UCD, and Dunne in particular, were thankful Kian Moore was equal to the stinging left-foot shot to acrobatically tip it over the top.

Twardek got another sight of goal minutes later from Declan McDaid’s pass. UCD skipper Jack Keaney bravely got his body in the way to block the powerful drive.

Well on top now, you sensed a goal was coming for Bohemians and it duly arrived on 40 minutes.

A surging run from the back by Rory Feely opened up the visitors’ defence. The centre-half threaded a pace in for Clarke who confidently slipped the ball past Moore.

Bohemians remained on the