They both talked a big game beforehand, but in the end, it was a one-sided affair.
In the buildup to the big game, Bohemians' Keith Ward was turning up the heat, preaching his FIFA credentials: "A few of the lads would have liked to play but when it comes down to FIFA, they know I'm the big dog." Meanwhile, his Shamrock Rovers opponent, Aaron McEneff thinks anything can happen: "God knows what's going to happen in a FIFA game from one game to the next."
In this clash between old foes, it was the red and black that won the day.
The opening exchanges were tight enough, with Kris Twardek of Bohs and Aaron Greene of Rovers causing problems for the opposing defence. However, it was a defensive lapse that led to the opening goal of the game. McEneff dawdled while in possession with Greg Bolger, allowing Danny Mandroiu to knick the ball away from the veteran midfielder. Mandroiu played an excellent reverse pass to Dinny Corcoran and it was 1-0 Bohs.
Rather than wilt, McEneff took the game to Ward. Although the focus of Rovers' attacking play was down the right with Aaron Greene, intricate play down the left allowed Sean Kavanagh to dance into the Bohs box. The former Fulham man squared it to Aaron McEneff, and the man playing the game did the rest.
Both sides were unable to break the deadlock in the remainder of the first-half, although Danny Mandroiu really should have stroked the ball past Alan Mannus when he was set through on goal.
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However, the Bohs playmaker made it a second-half to remember.
Immediately after kick-off, Mandroiu was put through on the Rovers' goal again, this time by Kris Twardek. The Dubliner made absolutely no mistake the second time around, putting Bohs back into the lead.
Rovers immediately looked for a way back into the game, and a great move down the right really should have been finished off by Jack Byrne. Instead, the Ireland international sliced the ball wide of Stephen McGuinness' goal.
McEneff's men would rue that miss, as Bohs started to get on top. Mandroiu again started dictating play, and when the ball broke on the edge of the Rovers box, it was Mandroiu who thundered the ball into the Rovers net.
After that goal, Ward's men took the sting out of the game, not allowing McEneff's charges to get a glimpse of goal. Most of McEneff's attacks were stymied on the edge of the Bohs box, usually leading to a Bohs counter attack. Ward himself will be disappointed he couldn't finish off a flowing move following great work from JJ Lunney.
Rovers had the chance at a consolation goal in additional time, but tried to be far too intricate with their passing in the final third. Greg Bolger's back-heel only lead to Michael Barker getting a vital interception in before Sean Kavanagh had the chance to shoot.
That was the final action of the match, with Keith Ward's Bohs side coming out as comfortable 3-1 winners.
The match itself was produced by Teneo, with commentary provided by Dave McIntrye. You can also make a donation to Pieta House at any point here.
The full match is available to watch below:
