Dayle Rooney emerged as the hero for The Gypsies as his second half penalty dumped bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers out of the FAI Cup at the first hurdle, and in doing so re-ignited their own season.
Having received a less than favourable reception following their 2-0 home defeat to Sligo Rovers just seven days previous, the script was well and truly flipped as a fiery crowd of over four thousand roared on their heroes.
Following a fast paced and frenetic opening period it was the visitors, who were pushed all the way in their Champions League first round qualifier with Vikingur Reykjavik on Tuesday night, that threatened early on.
Cian Byrne failed to make the correct contact on Jack Byrne's dangerous free kick with the ball coming back off the post,falling to Dan Cleary who missed the target with the follow up header.
This scare woke the hosts who’s high pressing and even higher energy began to come to the fore.
Returning fan favourites Dawson Devoy, making his first start since his resigning, and Ross Tierney looked busy in the middle but it was the hard-working Rooney that was showing quality in the final third.
The 26-year-old went close to putting his side in front, only to be denied bravely by Joshua Honohan midway through the fist half.
Last seasons beaten finalists, in the ascendancy and with the bit between their teeth, continued on the front foot into the second half.
Despite unloading his bench in a bid to swing the momentum in the Champions favour, Stephen Bradley saw his side go behind in what turned out to be the pivotal moment of the tie.
Another quality pass from Rooney found the busy Tierney in the area, and the Ballymun native proved just too sharp for Honohan who left out a loose leg clipping the Bohs attacker.
Rooney took responsibility and showed incredible composure to send Leon Pohs the wrong way, sending the Phibsborough faithful berserk.
Despite a late charge from the four-in-a-row league winner and some nervy moments, Bohs dug deep to drag themselves over the line to put their name in the hat for the next round.
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Martin Miller, Cian Byrne, Leigh Kavanagh, Jordan Flores; Adam McDonnell (James Clarke 83), Dawson Devoy; Dayle Rooney (Paddy Kirk 90), Ross Tierney, Alex Greive (Danny Grant 69); Filip Piszczek (James Akintunde 46).
Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pohls; Dan Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Joshua Honohan; Darragh Nugent, Conan Noonan (Dylan Watts 69), Gary O’Neill, Sean Kavanagh (Trevor Clarke 57); Richie Towell (Darragh Burns 57), Jack Byrne (Neil Farrugia 57); Aaron Greene (Johnny Kenny 57).
Referee: Rob Hennessey (Clare).
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