New signing Raffaele De Gregorio quickly won over the Bohemians supporters when his first-half goal laid the foundations as Joe McGrath's new-look side enjoyed a welcome 2-0 win over Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers in their opening League Cup, Group E game at Dalymount Park last night.
The 21-year-old New Zealand international, who's parents are Italian, capped a fine competitive debut for his new club with a skilful finish after 21 minutes. Derek Swan combined with Brian Mooney to set up the goal.
It was a goal Bohemians' inventive start to the game more than deserved.
De Gregorio, one of eight new close-season signings by McGrath, might have added a second goal on 25 minutes, but succeeded in directing his diving header just wide from Tommy Byrne's cross.
Within three minutes of the second half Bohemians sealed their deserved win. Lawlor's cross was miscued by De Gregorio, but Rovers goalkeeper Robbie Forde could only manage to fumble the ball into the path of the lurking Bohemians' skipper Tony O'Connor who had the simple task of tapping the ball home from eight yards.
Across the city at Tolka Park, a goal by Dessie Baker in time added-on gave last season's beaten finalists, Shelbourne, a 1-0 win over league champions St Patrick's Athletic in their Group F tie.
In a match that rarely lived up to expectations, Shelbourne deserved their victory, with Baker's far-post header from Pat Morley's cross beating Trevor Wood in the St Patrick's goal in the 91st minute.
Shelbourne had much the better of a tame first-half, with Mark Rutherford unlucky to see his header from a Declan Geoghegan cross come back off the crossbar after only three minutes. Tony Sheridan also forced a good stop from Wood.
St Patrick's rarely threatened Shelbourne goalkeeper Alan Gough, who hadn't a save to make, although Paul Osam went close with a 57th-minute shot which went narrowly over the top.
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