Bohemians progress after extra-time thriller

Bohemians 4, Sligo Rovers 2 PAUL KEEGAN saved Bohemians’ bacon with a last-gasp equaliser before extra-time goals from Ken Oman…

Bohemians 4, Sligo Rovers 2PAUL KEEGAN saved Bohemians' bacon with a last-gasp equaliser before extra-time goals from Ken Oman and Joseph Ndo booked their place in the League Cup final after a thrilling game at Dalymount Park last night.

Substitute Keegan deprived 10-man Sligo of a memorable win when levelling two minutes into added time at the end of 90 minutes, side-footing home after Owen Heary’s header caused a scramble in the Sligo box.

Defender Oman then put Bohemians in front for the first time on 99 minutes, heading home Keegan’s corner. Cameroon-born Ndo galloped through from midfield to slot home their fourth goal two minutes later, sliding home the rebound after Danny Ventre blocked his first shot.

Sligo opened the scoring in the first half when Oman’s poor clearance was intercepted by Rafaelle Cretaro. The winger quickly played the ball to Matt Blinkhorn who lobbed the out-rushing Matt Gregg despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.

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Sligo were livid within a minute of the restart when they were denied a penalty after Brian Shelley appeared to pull back Rob Turner inside the area.

Their mood was not helped when new singing Martin Camano, on his debut, was shown a straight red card for a “last-man” trip on half-time substitute Jason Byrne.

With a real edge to the game now, Bohemians levelled on 56 minutes. A Mark Rossiter shot was headed clear by Ventre, but Brennan returned the ball forward to Neale Fenn who shot home from a tight angle.

Sligo restored their lead on 61 minutes when Gregg crashed into Cretaro whose lob came back off a post. However, referee Richie Winter pointed to the spot. Duly booked for the challenge, Gregg was sent the wrong way from Alan Keane’s spot kick.

Bohemians laid siege to the Sligo goal thereafter with Byrne missing a sitter before Brush made a terrific save from Deegan’s long-range drive. The woodwork then rescued Brush as Brennan’s cross came back off the his crossbar before Keegan’s late reprieve.

Bohemians face the winners of tonight’s other semi-final between UCD and Waterford United in the final on September 26th.

BOHEMIANS:Gregg; Rossiter (Heary, 85 mins), Shelley, Oman, Powell; Brennan, Deegan, Cronin (Keegan, h-t), S Byrne (J Byrne, h-t); Ndo, Fenn.

SLIGO ROVERS:Brush; Boco, Keane, Camano, Kendrick; Cretaro, O'Grady (C. Kelly, 113 mins), Ventre, Cash (Morrison, 101 mins); Turner (Ryan, 52 mins), Blinkhorn.

Referee:Richie Winter (Dublin).