Who said there's no quality in the League of Ireland? Despite the ongoing issues surrounding the FAI, the League of Ireland seems to have taken a step forward this year. Attendances are up, and there just seems to be more general interest in the ins and outs of the league.
Bohemians have been at the forefront of this movement.
Bohs have been getting big crowds throughout the season, and their supporters have been rewarded with some fantastic football. They currently sit third in the league, and could well make a title push over the remainder of the summer.
They took on Dublin rivals St Pat's at Richmond Park tonight, hoping to keep pace with the top two teams in the league.
They would fall behind just before half time thanks to a Darragh Marley header, and would squander an opportunity to draw level in the second half when Brendan Clarke saved a Dinny Corcoran penalty.
Yes @BrenClarke1! What a stop from Dinny Corcoran’s peno. We still lead 1-0 here. Big few minutes ahead in a brilliant #DublinDerby atmosphere #Saints2019 🔴⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/zNlzBFAa71
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) May 17, 2019
However, they would grab the equaliser in the 78th minute. It came via Daniel Mandroiu, and what a goal it was. The midfielder fired in a beauty of a free kick, leaving Clarke with no chance.
🎥 GOAL! @stpatsfc 1-1 @bfcdublin
78 - Danny Mandroiu with an unbelievable free-kick to level it up at Richmond Park!
LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/RRYw00sgqV #LOI pic.twitter.com/ReOZBQODO6— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) May 17, 2019
Here's another angle of that cracker.
1-1 Mandroiu 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/7wpBFnA9gh
— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) May 17, 2019
Mandroiu joined Bohs from Brighton last winter, and has been in fantastic form this season. He was included in Stephen Kenny's U21 squad earlier this year, and was also name-checked by Mick McCarthy when he spoke to Balls.ie last month.
He will certainly do his international chances no harm with moments of magic like this.
This goal was enough to secure a draw for Bohemians, with the two sides finishing level at 1-1.
