Bohemians up to second after comfortable victory in Cork
Bohemians' charge up the Premier Division table continued as they cruised to a comfortable victory away to Cork City.
First-half goals from Archie Meekison and Dayle Rooney saw the Gypsies move above Drogheda United into second. They remain six points adrift of Shamrock Rovers.
Dunfermline United manager Neil Lennon and Chesterfield chief Paul Cook watched on among the 3,215 crowd at Turner's Cross.
The home supporters weren't happy as they greeted the full-time whistle with a chorus of boos
The hosts looked like they were still on a mid-season break as their winless run extended to eight games.
They remain one point above bottom side Sligo Rovers, who have a game in hand.
Ger Nash broke new ground as, for the first time this season, City named an unchanged side. There were changes on the bench, though.
After 17 years in England, David Meyler had his homecoming as Nash's new assistant manager.
Meanwhile, club stalwart Mark McNulty slotted in as goalkeeping coach.
Alan Reynolds opted for one change as Leigh Kavanagh replaced Rob Cornwall in defence.
The Bohs boss felt his side had "something to prove against Cork" after their late defeat at the Cross in February. They accomplished that mission by stretching their good form to eight wins in 10 games.
Departing Crystal Palace loanee Seán Grehan and Kavanagh were dominant at the back. Kavanagh's diagonal ball created the first chance for Meekison. The Scottish winger had all the time in the world to pick his spot, but fluffed his shot off target.
When the chance came again, he showed bundles more composure. The opportunity arrived in the 11th minute from Rooney's long clearance. Darragh Crowley's heavy touch presented Meekison with a clear run from halfway. He went around Tein Troost twice on his mazy run before rolling home his first goal of the season.
With City's hopes of a first clean sheet of 2025 extinguished, the one-way traffic continued.
Kavanagh's outside-of-the-boot flick from a corner forced Troost into an acrobatic save. Then, Rooney's wonderful chip floated just wide.
Cork only had one shot in the first half. They should have scored it, too. Josh Fitzpatrick's cross found its way to Cathal O'Sullivan, but the Premier League-linked teenager headed wide.
Bohs carved City open twice down the left in the closing stages. From the first of those, Adam McDonnell's shot was blocked away by Freddie Anderson as Bohs protested for handball.
They made the next one count. McDonnell turned Anderson, Ross Tierney's shot ran across goal, and Rooney was left with the simplest of tap-ins for his third goal in four games.
It could have been three before the break, but McDonnell curled around the post.
Troost produced another super save on the resumption. Rooney gave the return ball to Tierney, who looked certain to score, until the keeper reached back across to save.
Tierney had another chance moments later, which Anderson slid across to block.
City had a couple of penalty appeals waved away. Seanie Maguire tumbled over in the box, but Paul Norton gave the free-kick to Kavanagh. Then, Jordan Flores came through the back of O'Sullivan and was lucky to escape without any punishment.
Half-time substitute Kitt Nelson and O'Sullivan flashed shots over the bar as City tried to build momentum. Maguire had the next opening, but Flores deflected his shot behind.
City produced precious little in the final 20 minutes as Dawson Devoy came closest to adding a third, denied by Troost.
Cork City: Tein Troost; Milan Mbeng, Freddie Anderson, Charlie Lyons, Darragh Crowley (Kitt Nelson 46); Cathal O'Sullivan, Seán Murray (Greg Bolger 53), Evan McLaughlin (Rio Shipston 71), Josh Fitzpatrick; Seani Maguire (Malik Dijksteel 75), Djenairo Daniels.
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Niall Morahan, Seán Grehan, Leigh Kavanagh (Rob Cornwall 80), Jordan Flores; Dawson Devoy, Adam McDonnell (Keith Buckley 73); Dayle Rooney, Ross Tierney (James McManus 80), Archie Meekison (Rhys Brennan 73); James Clarke (Colm Whelan 73).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celtic legend on Martin O'Neill, working in a burger van and leukaemia battle
Stiliyan 'Stan' Petrov joined Glasgow Celtic from CSKA Sofia in 1999 and had a torrid time initially — before working in a burger van put him right. Four SPL titles, three SFA Cups, three League Cups, player of the year, a UEFA Cup runners-up medal, 228 appearances and 64 goals later, he would rejoin Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa. Many would pinpoint the standout win of his Celtic career as the 2002/03 two-legged UEFA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, 1-1 at Paradise before a sensational 2-0 win at Anfield in the second leg. He he joined Villa in 2006, and would remain until pre-season 2016. While in Birmingham, he won a Sunday League junior football cup, a success Petrov describes as the biggest victory of his life. Diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012, Petrov retired from football in May 2013 and after spells as Villa youth coach in 2013, assistant coach in 2015, he would resume full-time training with the first team squad ahead of the 2016/17 season. 'Leukaemia was probably the toughest of my own opponents,' he says. 'It was something that I had to battle really hard. 'It was three years of a difficult battle, highs and lows, dark moments, mental issues. But you know what, it just shows you how strong we are as human beings and it's something that I will always remember, I'll never forget. 'I was fortunate to have a great family, a great, great wife, Paulina, she kind of put her life aside to make sure that she looked after me. 'And that's why I have a foundation, based in Bulgaria, England and Spain, I always like to help because I know how important the support is and helping others makes a huge difference. 'We support over 50 hospitals around the world. We create events, we raise funds, and we donate money for other people to have a better treatment and better life.' That 2016/17 pre-season tour with the Villans saw Petrov score in an 8-0 win over Austrian team GAK, but he was not offered a contract by then-boss Roberto De Matteo. Yet still, Petrov had come a long way since arriving at Celtic as a teenager in 1999. 'Obviously the start was tough for me, I'd a new coach, the speed of the football as well made it even more difficult,' explains the former Bulgaria international. 'But mainly, I felt that not being able to communicate with my teammates pushed me further from the dressing-room, so it was making sure that I understand what's happening in the dressing-room and I felt that I had to find a solution. 'And my solution at that time was I had a friend who was Scottish, he owned the burger van and obviously noticed that I couldn't speak English, I couldn't explain things — I couldn't place an order. 'We started with basic things and, I'll never regret it because that gave me a chance to stay at Celtic and be successful.' It proved to be a seven-year stay, 1999-06, that coincided with an eclectic set of talented stars. 'I've enjoyed playing with pretty much everyone, he says. 'We had a very, very strong team in my time and, obviously, Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton, they are ones that you can pick out. 'But I've played with some great players with some great characters as well, Neil Lennon, Paul Lambert, Joos Valgaeren, Johan Mjallby and, further down the line, playing with Shunsuke Nakamura, who was exceptional as well.' The week-in, week-out support of the fans at Celtic was exceptional. 'I loved playing in front of the Celtic fans because they're passionate, they love the club and they follow everywhere the club goes. 'I actually spoke with Lenny the other day, he doesn't really play anymore, he is a bit big now! I think the last game he played was my testimonial at Celtic Park.' Martin O'Neill was a key man for Petrov. 'I got on very well with him, still have a great friendship after he finished managing and I finished my career. 'We still keep in touch. We do a lot of events together. 'I still call him Gaffer, I love him, we have that much respect, he is just unique and weird in his own way, but in a very nice way. 'He's a great man-manager, knows how to motivate players, how to handle players with a character. 'He had one strong side, which is he always wanted to win and he sent that message every single day in a dressing-room and that made a huge difference.' Contrary to popular belief and despite being O'Neill's first signing, Petrov didn't 'follow him' to Villa. 'It wasn't my intention to go and play with Martin again,' reveals Petrov. 'I was down to sign for Portsmouth when Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth were doing very well. 'It's funny how things work but me and Gareth Barry, who was at Villa where Martin O'Neill was fighting to keep him, we both were going down to sign for Portsmouth, but we both ended up at Aston Villa. 'The opportunity to work with Martin was a great pleasure because I knew how he worked. I knew how dependable he was and I loved playing under him at Aston Villa.' There was always a big club feel about Villa and their noisy Holt End fans. 'The fans at Villa are very demanding and I loved that. 'Under Martin, he created a really strong team, a really competitive team, with some good balance and a good mix between experienced players and younger players. 'And I think if you look at the Villa now they're kind of continuing that, they want to have a competitive team, not just domestically, but on the European stage as well.' Under O'Neill, there were three consecutive sixth-place Premier League finishes, an FA cup semi-final in 2010 and three European football seasons, 2009-11. But it was a different trophy at a different club in Birmingham that would mean the world to Petrov, a sign he was winning the fight for life against acute leukemia. Wychall Wanderers were managed by former Coventry City defender David Busst, and offered Petrov a lifeline. 'I'd won leagues and cups in Bulgaria, three leagues in Scotland but, for me, after going through my treatment, being able to go back on a pitch and kick the ball was the best days because I was looking forward to every Sunday,' reveals Petrov. 'I've even changed the schedule for the boys, not drinking on a Friday or a Saturday if we are playing, Sunday breakfast in the morning, getting ready for the game. 'So the boys kind of loved it too because I've demanded so much from them but for me, being on the pitch again, kicking the ball and being able to run again, even if I was heavier at that time, I loved every single minute. 'Even going to the pub after where nobody shies away from a beer and I loved that. It was the best because when you win the game, you know what, you have a pint with your friends. 'You discuss the game, what's happening in the Premier League, world football, you have great craic and build up for the next weekend.' The former Villa captain feels there is more to come from his old side as they look to build on a first-ever Champions League campaign. They were beaten 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals by eventual winners PSG, finished sixth in the league and made the last four in the FA Cup. Indeed, eight wins in the last ten Premier League games, their two losses coming in Manchester against City and then United on the last day, saw them only miss out on CL participation on goal difference. 'It's great what they have achieved in the last two seasons,' says 'Stan'. 'The Champions League performance there has been incredible last season, this year it will be Europa League but I think they won't really bother about that because there will be another European competition. 'And with a super manager in Unai Emery, the team and the way he works, and with my two favourites, Morgan Rogers and 'Super' John McGinn, they've got a good chance to go further in that competition.' Petrov notes Ireland's recent form under new management — four wins, four losses and two draws. But the ex-Bulgaria international has warned against misplaced optimism about the 'win' column as his country accounts for two of those four. Bulgaria may have been to seven World Cups (finishing fourth in 1994) but they have not been to a major championship since Euro 2004 and are uncompetitive at present. Recent Bulgaria results include a five-goal defeat to Northern Ireland, four-goal defeats to Greece, Switzerland, a 5-2 reverse at home to Georgia, and draws with Belarus (twice), Cyprus and Luxembourg. 'Bulgarian football is shadowed by corruption and match-fixing and people who depend on political support,' says Petrov, who made a record 105 appearances and scored eight goals for his country. 'And this makes it even harder for the younger players, for the coaches and for all the football ecosystem in Bulgarian football to flourish because we've been struggling for many, many years and it seems like we are still struggling. 'We used to play against teams, against Ireland, against the North, and expect to win, now you can see how far we are behind. 'We are a football nation and I think the fans and people around football want a change but it seems like people who run the carpentry, do the building, don't want to change and this is the biggest downfall for Bulgarian football.' Ranked No.3 in the world in June 1995, Bulgaria currently languish 71st. 'I'm not surprised they could not win against Ireland, I'm not surprised at all. I mean, our national team, our players, are really struggling to play in the big teams and the big leagues, to create leaders, which was a really big problem for Bulgarian football and this has been going on for the last 20 years. 'And it seems like there's more people who don't want to change then want to change something for good.' ***Stiliyan Petrov will be featuring in a Premier League XI playing against Ayrfield Utd (founded 1977) at Blinden Drive, Coolock, Dublin, today. The game is a fundraiser for Ayrfield Utd's new clubhouse, youth club and sensory room for neurodivergent children and adults within the community, i.e. people with autism, ADHD, Asperger syndrome. And what a team it is! Premier League XI (courtesy LegendsXI/Tony Browne): David James; Stephen Carr, Ian Harte, Jaap Stam, Wes Browne; Karol Poborsky, Jason McAteer, Keith Gillespie; Jermaine Beckford, Yakubu - plus guests.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘World class cooking' – Flamengo brutally troll Chelsea with throwback video game reference after Club World Cup win
FLAMENGO couldn't resist a cheeky throwback dig at Chelsea after the Blues' Club World Cup collapse. The Brazilian side 4 Chelsea suffered an embarrassing defeat to Flamengo on Friday afternoon Credit: Getty 4 Nicolas Jackson saw red in the defeat just minutes after coming on as a sub Credit: Getty 4 Flamengo's X admin couldn't resist a throwback dig at the Premier League side Credit: X In-form But They conceded two quickfire goals to go behind, before Wallace Yan secured the three points for the Brazilians with just seven minutes left on the clock. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL And after the final whistle, Flamengo's X account decided to go for the jugular. The club's official account wrote: "Easy win against London Blue!" London Blue refers to Chelsea's infamous name in the Most read in Football Japanese publisher Konami were unable to secure the license for Premier League teams, resulting in alternative names for the clubs and players in the popular game. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK One fan laughed in response: "World class cooking honestly." Another said: "London Blue!!!!! LMAO." Incredible ref cam footage shows moment Chelsea star Pedro Neto sent opponent 'back to LA and into next MLS season' While a third chuckled: "Oi they're calling them by their PES identity." And a fourth added: "Redefined the overrated league in the world." Maresca refused to defend Jackson after his reckless moment of madness on Friday. The 24-year-old FOUR minutes after entering the field as a sub. 4 Maresca told DAZN: "It was a red card. So nothing to say. 'Congratulations to them, they deserved to win. "We tried to do something different, also for next season, for the future, but congratulations to them. "I think they deserved it."
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Drogheda up to second after ending turbulent week on a high
Drogheda United kissed goodbye to their European dream this week and if their victory over Sligo Rovers was another farewell of sorts, it was certainly more joyous. Douglas James-Taylor's fourth minute goal proved the difference in the end as United climbed back above Bohemians and into second place in the Premier Division. Their quest for European qualification via the league route takes on a whole different dimension now in light of their expulsion from the UEFA Conference League this summer. While a good display against Shamrock Rovers on Monday did not deliver a positive result, they displayed a determination and rigour against Sligo that will likely form the backbone of the remainder of their season. James-Taylor hadn't hit an open play goal of any description since his header in the FAI Cup semi-final last October. He has battled with a thigh injury this term though and his early strike against Sligo Rovers as just his second of the season. His loan spell ends in just 10 days time. The striker belongs to United's sister club Walsall and has certainly been one of the positives of their multi-club model involvement. If this was to his final home outing for the club, he provided a memorable send-off. There were just three minutes on the clock when Warren Davis harried Jad Hakiki off the ball and midfield and scurried forward. Somehow, there were no more in the opening 45 minutes. Davis failed to get a shot on target from eight yards when teed up by his strike-partner and Andy Quinn curled an effort just over the bar. In first half injury time, Conor Kane rattled the joint of crossbar and post. That was soon after a 60-yard run from Quinn that ended with James-Taylor poking a shot just wide of the goal. Sligo – who lost Gareth McElroy to concussion – played their part in a pulsating first half too. Wilson Waweru's near post flick was saved by Luke Dennison and then the Drogs goalkeeper was behind Owen Elding's shot from Will Fitzgerald's pull back. John Russell's team were producing quick, incisive play in dangerous areas. United's defence was being made to work hard for their clean sheet. They had the best chance of the opening minutes of the second half. Will Fitzgerald's volley was scooped over the bar by United's Californian stopper. Later on, both Hakiki and substitute Cian Kavanagh were guilty of failing to find the target when on each occasion, the net should have rippled. Both were especially damning on a night when a good Bit O'Red display was undermined by misfortune and misfire in front of goal. As expected, Drogheda owner and co-chairman Ben Boycott was present at the game. He addressed Kevin Doherty and his players in light of their UEFA Conference League expulsion. The Trivela Group CEO was also seen speaking to supporters prior to kick-off, likely offering apologies and assurances in equal measure. His team at least demonstrated that for failings off the pitch, they are still motoring along nicely on it. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; George Cooper, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Kieran Cruise (Darragh Markey, 46), Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan; Douglas James-Taylor, Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 79). Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy (Kyle McDonagh, 35), John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Stephen Mallon (Oskar Van Hattum, 69); Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki (Francely Lomboto, 83), Will Fitzgerald; Wilson Waweru (Cian Kavanagh, 69).
