Bohemians blitz Derry City in eight-goal Dalymount Park classic

Bohs roar back from behind to beat Derry 5-3

There was little indication of what was coming when Michael Duffy gave Derry the lead in the 34th minute.

Barry Cotter had created the chance with a run down the right before Duffy's effort took a slight deflection on its way into the net. Bohs nearly responded before the interval, but Senan Mullen could only watch as his volley crashed against the crossbar.

The second half was a completely different story. Just two minutes after the restart, Patrick Hickey rose unchallenged to head Jordan Flores' corner into the net and bring the hosts level. Bohemians then completely overwhelmed Derry, with Connor Parsons and Douglas James-Taylor scoring soon afterwards.

Derry's collapse got even worse when James Clarke was sent off with a straight red card, all within a frantic nine-minute spell that completely changed the game.

There was still more drama to come. Tyler Smith pulled one back for Derry, but Bohemians remained in control and Tierney eventually settled the contest. His second goal, a brilliant strike in the 87th minute, made sure there would be no late comeback before Duffy converted a stoppage-time penalty for Derry.

The result was a particularly sweet one for Bohs after they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Derry in June, their heaviest loss of the campaign.

Bohemians strengthen their grip on third place

Alan Reynolds' side now sit third in the table, opening up a 10-point gap to the team in fourth, while Derry remain sixth. The win also came during a significant period for Dalymount, as Bohs have only four more Premier Division home games there after this one before redevelopment.

Next up is the FAI Cup quarter-final against St Patrick's Athletic, with Bohemians travelling for that tie.

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