Mallon the match-winner as Bohs avenge Cup final loss

One goal was all Bohemians needed to get their first win of the season and inflict back-to-back defeats on St Patrick's Athletic.

Stephen Mallon was the match-winner in this Dublin derby, unleashing a fierce left-footed shot beyond Joseph Anang in the 49th minute.

It was a sweet strike, and moment, although whether it felt like any sort of payback for the FAI Cup final heartache barely four months ago is unlikely. More importantly, victory here has Bohs’ season properly up and running.

It was only back in November that Pat’s triumphed at Aviva Stadium yet just six players who started the showpiece were on display for the sides here.

Keith Long had four in his ranks while the Cup holders had just two, not to mention a new man in charge in the dugout.

It will take time for Tim Clancy to make his mark at Richmond Park and a game in which they started promisingly soon drifted away from them.

The tone for the first half was set after just three minutes when the visitors had the ball in the net, but the offside flag was raised.

It was the first in a series of near misses, close shaves and exceptional pieces of goalkeeping that ensured the game remained scoreless in the opening 45 minutes.

Not that those in the packed Dalymount Park were complaining about the fare being served up. The Saints following that filled the Des Kelly Stand – now without that famous shed roof which Ireland fans of yore famously used for a vantage point – were celebrating behind that goal after Thomas Owolabi kept his eye on a dropping ball to finish superbly on the volley.

The referee’s assistant adjudged him to be offside from Mark Doyle’s initial shot, which had been deflected into the air by Grant Horton.

From that point on the game ebbed from end to end as