Early on, Bohs secure decisive FAI Cup spot against Longford
Bohemians (Bohs) secured a place in Tuesday’s FAI Cup quarter‑final draw after a dominant performance at Dalymount Park, dispatching Longford Town with four goals. The early strike from Harry Vaughan in the sixth minute set the tone for a comfortable win that keeps the Gypsies in pursuit of their first cup since 2008.
Early dominance fuels Gypsies’ lead
Vaughan opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Sadou Diallo’s low ball from the halfway line found his feet and a slip by centre‑back Taylor McCarthy left him free to fire into the roof of the net. Just a minute later Longford’s Ross Tierney struck from ten yards, but goalkeeper Kian Moore produced a remarkable reaction save to keep the visitors level‑zero. Longford TOWN struggled to create clear chances after the early setback.
Whelan’s brace seals the win
Twelve minutes after the opener, Vaughan supplied a precise square ball to Colm Whelan, who slotted home from fourteen yards for the Gypsies’ second goal. Early in the second half, after goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka launched a long ball that Vaughan controlled, Whelan latched onto a headed clearance and unleashed a high left‑foot shot to double the lead. The Polish keeper later faced a fierce long‑range effort from Sean Moore, but he managed the ball comfortably, preserving the clean sheet.
Parsons caps the night
In the dying moments, Connor Parsons curled a sublime finish past Kian Moore after James Bailey’s late free‑kick struck the post. The fourth strike confirmed a comfortable victory for the hosts, who are chasing their first FAI Cup triumph since 2008.
Manager Alan Reynolds warned that the cup tie could become a ‘banana skin’ clash, reminding his side of the fine margins in knockout football. The Gypsies entered the match after a European adventure ended in Denmark earlier in the week and after making seven changes from the side that lost 3‑2 to Midtjylland. Their First Division neighbours Shelbourne, who were eliminated by Kerry in the previous round, illustrate the threat a lower‑league opponent can pose. Sport commentators praised the early intensity that left Longford with little chance.
With the win, Bohemians now await Tuesday’s FAI Cup quarter‑final draw to learn their next opponent. A victory would keep alive their quest for a first cup title in sixteen years.
Bohemians lined up with Kacper Chorazka in goal, a back four of Niall Morahan, Patrick Hickey, Senan Mullen and Dayle Rooney, and a midfield trio of Sadou Diallo, Dawson Devoy and Zane Myers, while Harry Vaughan and Colm Whelan led the attack. Longford Town fielded Kian Moore between the sticks, with a defence of Alex O’Brien, Cole Omorehiomwan, Taylor McCarthy and Jake Hough.