Bohemians are back in town

Colum Motherway

Bohemians are back in town

Bohemians sit one point clear of Derry City at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division after the first five rounds of matches.

Declan Devine’s men have won four games so far with their only defeat coming away to Dublin rivals Shelbourne.

Most recently, Bohs won 0-2 away to another Dublin team in St. Patrick’s Athletic.

Jordan Flores has been one of the early stand-out performers at Dalymount this season, with three goals for him already. One of his goals was a fantastic free kick in the 3-1 win over Drogheda United.

Another sore sight for opposition defenders this season has been winger Ali Coote. The Scotsman has one goal and three assists so far and has been instrumental in creating chances for Bohs.

There is always a sense of danger when Coote has the ball and he supplied striker Jonathan Afolabi with his first goal of the season against St. Pat’s last week.

Young talent James McManus has impressed with back to back starts in the league in the last two games.

Born in 2005, McManus turns 18 next week. He has an unusual routine where he is balancing shining for Bohs while preparing for his Leaving Cert in June.

On Friday’s he goes to school and then helps Bohs to the top of the league later in the evening. McManus has a bright future in football with Devine saying that “the sky is the limit” for the youngster.

After being appointed manager last October, Declan Devine has strongly impressed as Bohs boss.

He was appointed after the departure of Keith Long, who managed Bohs for the previous eight years.

After only five games, Devine has already led Bohs to a third of their total wins across 36 matches last season.

Elsewhere in Dublin, reigning champions Shamrock Rovers are suffering from a rocky start to the season.

The Tallaght side are still winless after the opening five games, drawing four and losing one.

On March 6th , Rovers drew 4-4 in a cracking game against newly promoted Cork City and most recently they endured a goalless draw against Shelbourne.

Bohemians host Shamrock Rovers in an always much awaited Dublin derby on April 7th .

Dalymount has been rocking these past few weeks with near sell-out crowds at both home games.

The fans are in full voice every week and will be needed to keep up this good form.

Colum Motherway

Image Credit: Sportsfile