It was a historic day in the League of Ireland as Bohemians defeated Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in front of a record attendance of over 33,000 fans in the Aviva Stadium.
It was the 'home' side Bohemians who struck first in Sunday's Dublin Derby, with Ross Tierney finishing off a well-worked opportunity created by debutant Mousset and Conor Parsons to claim the decisive and only goal of the first half. Despite enjoying the odd chance, there was little doubt heading down the tunnel that it was Rovers facing an uphill battle in the second half of action.
Rover's first-half struggles proved ever-present in the second half, with Stephen Bradley's men struggling to gain any momentum until near the final quarter, with a wasteful double miss from Victor Ozhianvuna and Michael Noonan summing up the day Rovers were having perfectly.
While a play-making Graham Burke kept Shamrock Rovers fighting for a result until the death, with James Talbot bailing Bohemians out more than once in injury time, ultimately a definitive performance from Bohemians justified their decision to take the game to the Aviva and saw them leave with the full complement of three points.
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Brian Kerr concerned by Shamrock Rovers options up front
Speaking after Sunday's clash on Virgin Media, Brian Kerr was somewhat optimistic about Rovers' performance, claiming they'd deserved a point from the game.
However, more pressingly the Irish football legend was left concerned that Sunday's performance may have been a telling sign of Stephen Bradley's lack of quality options up front.
Once Bohs got the goal, Rovers did take over, (but) didn't play very well. There wasn't the same fluidity about their game or cohesion that we usually expect with them.
They just weren't themselves, and I suggested before the match, missing those three Darragh Burns, Farrugia and Kenny - have they replaced them?
They put young Noonan into the team having recruited him from Pats, the goalkeeper did okay today, a few funny moments. I thought Matt Healy played well when he came on, but I'm wondering what is the situation with Gaffney, no sign of him today, main man in centre forward, he didn't choose to use Aaron Green, Jack Byrne no sign of him, he seems to be out injured again.
I mean they won the game the other night and played well to win it, but they still look a little but short up front.
While it may have only been both sides' opening game, last season's league was very much so won and lost in the opening half of the season, with Rovers' slow start hampering their title chances out of the gate.
Next up for Stephen Bradley's men is a return to Tallaght where they'll welcome Cork City in a bid to get back to winning ways.
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