Both Bohs, who had manager Alan Reynolds sent off at half-time for his second booking, and Pat’s needed a win to keep alive hopes of a top-three finish, though fourth place could also offer a ticket to Europe, depending on the outcome of the FAI Cup final.
Bohs failed to make the most of their dominance, not enough clear-cut chances to match possession, while Pat’s were again hampered by a dismal away record in local battles, just one point in away Dublin derbies all season for them.
and now Shelbourne, in European action in North Macedonia on Thursday, can secure a top-three finish if they can win away to Bohs on Sunday, while Pat’s need two wins from their last two matches to even have a chance.
With so much at stake in terms of European football, and the ample revenue that accompanies it, tension was inevitable. That flared up in a truly dramatic way late in the first half when, following an on-field scuffle involving players and staff from both camps, sparked by a push on Ross Tierney by Axel Sjoberg, referee Paul McLaughlin showed seven yellow cards.“`html
Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds, left, who received a red card at half-time watches on with analysts Alan Moore and Aaron Fitzsimons, right. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
That breathless finish to the half was in keeping with the game, fast-paced with a lot of bite and fight from both sides, though not a huge amount in terms of clear-cut chances. Saints man Kian Leavy was first to pose a threat, on four minutes, when he beat Connor Parsons but then fired wide. Bohs fans appealed for a penalty in the ninth minute when James Clarke went to ground under a challenge from Sjoberg but the Swede had won the ball cleanly.
The notable Leavy was a threat to the home side, evident on 12 minutes when he did well to whip in a cross but it was just too high for Mason Melia.