Bohemians have booked their place in the FAI Cup final, defeating Galway United 1-0 after a tense clash at Eamon Deacy Park.
It was a pulsating clash between the two sides, one which ultimately finished in a deserved victory for the Dublin club. They will return to the final of this competition having been beaten in 2021 decider.
The deciding goal of the game came in the first half, with Dylan Connolly the man to score it. It was a straightforward finish for the player, who was expertly picked out by Jonathan Afolabi at the far post.
Bohemians hold a 1-0 lead at half-time of the #FAICup semi-final against Galway United thanks to Dylan Connolly's tap in from Jonathan Afolabi's cross
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📺 Watch live - https://t.co/ftWTiVtUVx pic.twitter.com/xZWcMloBZI— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 7, 2023
Galway United would push hard for an equaliser in the second half, especially after Bohemians were reduced to ten men just before the hour mark.
However, they could not find the breakthrough as Bohemians continued on their quest to win a first FAI Cup since 2008.
Bohemians man to miss FAI Cup final due to questionable red card
Bohemians will already be looking forward to that final later in the year, although they will be without one player for the fixture against either St Pat's or Cork City due to the red card in this game.
Kacper Radkowski was sent off just before the hour mark after picking up a second yellow card. However, it is fair to say that the decision to book him was a very harsh one.
Bohemians still lead 1-0 at Galway United in the #FAICup semi-final but they are down to ten after a second yellow for Kacper Radkowski
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📺 Watch live - https://t.co/ftWTiVtUVx pic.twitter.com/VJPTBL3dE2— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 7, 2023
As well as that, it could be argued that his first caution was equally as questionable.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, both Richie Sadlier and Stuart Byrne questioned the decisions by the referee.
Really really feel for Kacper - misses a final and biggest game of his career without making a bad tackle in the game.
Madness pic.twitter.com/mmS0Z1wZy4— Daniel Lambert (@dlLambo) October 7, 2023
Sadlier: It was more than a little bit harsh. This was the first yellow card, the hands are up and Aoucharia turns, you'd be very disappointed if that was the reason you got a yellow card. As we said at halftime, it doesn't matter if that is right or wrong, you've got a yellow card and have got to be disciplined.
This though, this is very harsh as well. There is minimal collision between the two of them, very little sign of intent. For this to be the reason you're sent off, I think it's very very harsh.
Byrne: What ever happened with referees having a word with players and saying 'one more chance'. That's in the 60th minute, nothing has really happened in the game. It's not a booking for me in the first place.
For god sake, have a word with the player and say 'no more'. They will heed that.
Sadlier: There are some occasions where I don't have sympathy for players. If you're on a booking, don't lunge, don't open your mouth, don't aggravate the referee, don't invite attention to yourself. None of those things apply to this incident.
It was certainly a harsh call.
That sentiment was echoed by Bohemians manager Declan Devine, who said it was unfortunate that his player would now miss the FAI Cup final due to the sending off.
"Benefits the whole of Irish football"
Despite seeing his Bohemians side reach the #FAICup final, manager Declan Devine was keen to start off his post-match interview with lavish praise for a Galway United side who pushed them right to the final whistle pic.twitter.com/oQlQfJu12Q— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 7, 2023
While they will be without one of their defenders for the game, Bohs supporters will be looking forward to another trip to the Aviva Stadium later this year.
They will find out tomorrow whether they will have St Pat's or Cork City waiting for them at Lansdowne Road, with their supporters sure to be eager to get revenge on their Dublin rivals for their loss in the 2021 edition.
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