Long extols performances despite 'frustrating' campaign

Bohemians manager Keith Long was happy his team were able to capitalise on their dominance in their 4-1 demolition of Shelbourne in Tolka Park on Easter Monday.

Seeking only their third league win of the season, Long's side made the short trek to Drumcondra, three days after allowing yet another lead slip through their fingers at the death at home to Finn Harps.

A week previously, Dean Williams' late strike denied them victory in Drogheda. Bohs have led on the hour mark in seven of their 11 games thus far but have only registered three victories.

Speaking afterwards, Long acknowledged it was frustrating that Bohs' performances weren't reflected by their current placing (sixth) in the league table and that they had too often frittered away points with moments of late carelessness.

"The primary objective of this season was always to be consistent and to perform at a consistently high level week on week," Long told RTÉ Sport after the 4-1 win.

"I think performances certainly have improved. It hasn't necessarily resulted in the points (tally) I think we deserve from some of the performances.

"We have been careless at times. And it has been extremely frustrating, with some of the concession of goals late in games. We've dominated games, we haven't quite put away teams. Today, we were able to capitalise on the chances that occurred in the game and we're pleased to have done that."

Bohs now face into their biggest grudge match, at home to Shamrock Rovers on Friday, the reigning champions arriving in Dalymount on the back of the four-week game winning streak.

While Rory Gaffney was the match-winner for the Hoops in Tallaght in their previous meeting this season, Long is hoping his side can sustain what he describes as a "reasonable"