Jered Stirling and Karl Gannon spoiled Bohemians' chance to move clear at the top of the table at a wet and wintry Dalymount Park last night. More importantly, though, it gave Waterford a crucial three points for only the second time this season.
If the nature of the Bohemians displays this season has been erratic, then this has to be deemed consistent purely in terms of the disappointment and failure to put away a generally poor Waterford side.
In fact, Waterford seemed to be in for a night on their toes as a succession of threatening Bohemians attacks dominated the first half hour. Glen Crowe was particularly dangerous for the first 10 minutes, and Stephen Caffrey came close with a header a short while later. And they really should have been one up when Mark Dempsey broke free with only Michael Devine to beat.
All the while the packed stand grew increasingly impatient, especially with the increasing uncertainty of the home defence. Even if Waterford didn't show a great deal of imagination, there were frequently dangerous, especially with top-scorer Dominic Iorfa having a good match.
When Waterford did find the holes they were usually gaping, and on 38 minutes they made full use of some relaxed Bohemians marking. Dave Smith whipped the ball in from just inside the box and right onto the head of Iorfa. Wayne Russell did very well in front of the goal to get his fist down on the ball, but Stirling was quick to pounce and flicked it into the open net.
There was an excellent chance for an immediate response when Robbie Brunton played the ball in for Kelly but his bouncing header was a little too easy for the hands of Michael Devine.
Bohemians pushed harder from the restart to get back on level terms and Graham Doyle's ambitious long-range shot was unfortunate to spin off the corner of the upright. Kelly linked up well with Gareth O'Connor a few minutes after but that he couldn't find the angle to fool Devine.
The sense of desperation seemed to grow heading into the last half hour and the introduction of Derek Swan seemed to mark the home side's last hope. Instead, they were caught off guard with a Waterford counterattack on 77 minutes that finished any chance of a comeback.
Stirling was involved again, putting across a short ball into the path of Karl Gannon, who met it first time with his head.
Substitute Paul Byrne did his best to draw some final inspiration from a drained Bohemians side although his imaginative free in the last few minutes was pushed comfortably over by Devine. It was one of those nights when nothing could go right for Bohemians, and they might not get a better chance to go top this season.
BOHEMIANS: Russell; T O'Connor, Brunton, Doyle, Maher; O'Hanlon, G O'Connor, Caffrey, Crowe; Kelly, Dempsey. Subs: Byrne for O'Hanlon (58 mins), Swan for Crowe (65 mins), Harris for Doyle (75 mins).
WATERFORD UTD: Devine; Smith, Frost, O'Brien, Riordan; Whittle, Kirby, Grant, Gannon; Iorfa, Stirling. Subs: McGrath for Iorfa (81 mins).
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
