Bohemians     2 – 2     Derry City
Glen Crowe 64           Sam Morrow 60, 76     
Jason Byrne pen 70
                       (Bohemians won 4-2 on penalties AET)

Bohemians' strength in defence, highlighted by an outstanding goalkeeper in Brian Murphy, ensured they won the FAI Ford Cup at the RDS today to complete the big double of Irish football.

The high winds and driving rain that fell at intervals proved challenging for all concerned, but Bohemians and Derry overcame the difficulties to play football that was intense, superbly skilful and progressive to bring the season to a spectacular climax.

Bohemians conceded just 13 goals in 33 matches in the eircom League of Ireland so Derry deserve huge credit for breaching such a formidable defence twice in 90 minutes of compelling football.

In the end it was the effectiveness of this Bohs’ defence and, in particular, the genius of goalkeeper Brian Murphy that ensured Bohs won the penalty shoot-out to clinch the elusive Double.

Indeed Bohs could thank Murphy for ensuring the contest went this far for he made a superb save from Niall McGinn on the call of full-time of extra time after the brilliant Derry winger had been released by Ruaidhri Higgins’ extravagant pass.

Substitute Higgins fired the ball 40 yards so it drifted fractionally over the head of full-back Mark Rossiter to fall on McGinn’s toe-cap. His blinding shot was touched over spectacularly by the leaping Murphy when a winner looked a certainty.

The incident captured the essence of this marvellous final. It was hard and passionate and elevated to great heights by the smooth technique and ambition of the players on both sides.

It was a glorious advertisement for the quality of the League and brought the Cup final to the climax such an historic and significant competition deserved.

Goalkeeper Murphy produced two heroic saves in the penalty shoot-out to deny Derry and give Bohs their win. Killian Brennan and Mark Farren; Stephen O’Donnell and Kevin McHugh had converted to leave the shoot-out level at 2-2.

Glen Cronin shot Bohs in front again before Murphy took a hand, quite literally, saving an indecisive effort from Kevin Deery.

The issue was in the air again when Mark Rossiter immediately drove his penalty over off the crossbar but Murphy was determined his contribution would be significant – he would not be denied.

He saved from Ruaidhri Higgins and it was left to Mindaugas Kolonas from Lithuania to rip home a glorious penalty to give Bohs their win.

Bohs were given a 2-1 lead through a Jason Byrne penalty after Morrow had put Derry in front in the 60th minute and Glen Crowe had equalised following a corner in the 64th.

The explosion of goals lifted them game to great heights as the spectators in an attendance of 10,281, thrilled to the cut and thrust of an absorbing contest.

Morrow left an indelible print on the Cup final when he slipped in behind the defence to turn Niall McGinn’s glorious cross past Brian Murphy to bring Derry level in the 76th minute and set the stage for an enthralling climax.

Bohs would have won it in extra time but for two blinding saves by Ger Doherty from Killian Brennan and then from Kalonas but Derry had their opportunities too.

McGinn, always a potent force, shot wide and later stretched Murphy as Derry courageously bid to upset the favourites.

It was not to be. Bohemians resilience and stubborn resistance triumphed in the end as they ensured the season of 2008 would be remembered with affection at Dalymount Park.

And the wider football community had reason to applaud their triumph and that of Derry who combined to showcase Irish football as a brilliant and viable product on the great occasion. The FAI Ford Cup final was everything one would have hoped for !

Teams:

Bohemians: Murphy; Heary, Oman, Burns, Rossiter; Byrne (McGill 77), Deegan, O’Donnell, Brennan; Fenn (Kalonas 62), Crowe.

Derry City: Doherty; McCallion, Delaney, Hutton, Gray; McGlynn (Steward 91), Deery, Molloy (Higgins 91), McGinn; Morrow (McHugh 105), Farren.

Referee: Mr. A. Buttimer (Cork).

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