Derby Delight

Towards a hallowed spot in Dublin 7, many regard as their earthy heaven on, a Friday in June at half past seven came folk from all over Dublin including Glasnevin.

Twas no ordinary walk they were they were taking, that this was a sporting pilgrimage there was no mistaking; Soon doing battle would be the greatest of foes, Shamrock Rovers and the mighty Bohs!

The talk on Twitter sent many a Gypsy heart a flutter, with our injury list Rovers would go through us like a hot knife to butter.
With so many of our stars on the treatment table, would their replacements be ready and able?

Given the stellar lineup Rovers could anoint, we in our hearts would be delighted to earn a point.
So as through the Turnstiles we did meander, many a chat focused on the suspension of Derek Pender.

However once the match got underway, out of their skins the Bohs team did play;
Our hopes began to rise a little due to the bravery of our largely second fiddle.

In the 15^th minute the referees whistle it did blow, as pointing to the penalty spot his hand it did go,
With bated breath we prayed it would go in, but it was missed – a mortal sin!
With hands on our head we began to dread, would Daniel Carr win it with his head?

Barely seven minutes later on the watch, Mandriou was handed a second penalty attempt of the match, fingers crossed he has the bottle to hit the ball full throttle.
Thankfully second time round he made no mistake as the residents of Connuaght Street wondered “is this an earthquake?”
Whilst the fans in the Jodi danced and spluttered ‘amen’ the Rovers fans were howling “it’s happening again”

It was to all that from the very start the Bohs players had come out of the tunnel full of heart.
Every move by the Rovers midfield was repelled by our defensive forcefield.

When the ref blew the whistle for half-time the positive vibes round Dalyer they did chime.
However 5 minutes into he second half the Hoops thought they would have the last laugh, as the home celebrations they did mar when the ball was slotted home by Daniel Carr.

The nerves of both fans were now up to 90, as any Rovers attack made us all jumpy, but was only eight minutes that we had to wait before Mandriou once more unlocked the gate.

A flicked on header from Allardice, found Mandriou who didn’t have to think twice,

With a kick of the ball flew like a rocket Danny had well and truly picked Alan Mannus pocket.
From 25 yards out there simply was no doubt, it was a goal of such magnificence about it even ESPN did shout.

Try as they might all night, the Rovers team huffed and puffed but of the Bohs goal they rarely had sight.
Lyons, Barker, Barry and Kirk all put in some unbelievable work, whilst on the rare occasions his services we did require, James Talbot was once again on fire.

So as the minute timer struck 101, the final whistle was blew and the job was done;
Those Rovers  fans who beforehand proclaimed they’d later be doing a merry dance trudged out of the ground to a man more than askance.

On yet another of those magical Dalymount Park nights, Keith Longs charges once again retained the bragging rights.
As Stephen Bradley was once more to rue a loss to this Bohs team, of further European nights we can once more dream!