EOIN MULLEN brightened up a drab encounter at Dalymount Park last night with a superbly- taken goal that clinched the points for Bohemians in their opening National League match of the season.

Cork were the brighter team in the opening stages of a poor first half but Bohemians improved as the game wore on with Brian Mooney on the right and left fullback Tommy Byrne causing problems for the Cork defence.

Maurice O'Driscoll's height created more difficulties for the visitors at set pieces, but it wasn't until the 24th minute that Bohemians came close to scoring with a volley from the edge of the box by Peter Hanrahan that went just wide of Noel Mooney's right post. Bohemians worst moment had come in the third minute, when Tony O'Connor shaved his own post after deflecting the ball in a goalmouth scramble.

The introduction of Jonathan Prizeman for Padraig Dully in the 59th minute added some spark to the Dubliners' midfield, and eight minutes after his arrival they got the winning goal. A clearance from the Cork defence fell in front of Mullen on the left of the penalty area and he fired in a fierce left-foot volley that proved too powerful for Mooney, who got his hands to the ball.

The home side came close to adding to their lead three minutes later when the hard-working Peter Hanrahan hit the bar with a diving header. Cork, who threw caution to the winds in the closing 20 minutes, also hit the woodwork with a shot from Dave Hill three minutes from time.