Bohs and Saints play out eight-goal friendly thriller in Dublin

Match Report

UEFA Champions League preparations continued for The New Saints with a behind-closed-doors friendly against SSE Airtricity League Premier Division side, Bohemians, in Dublin this afternoon.

The first friendly of an intense pre-season schedule, the match gave head coach, Craig Harrison, a first chance to watch his squad in action since the 6-0 JD Welsh Cup final victory against Bala Town at the end of April.

An entertaining contest from start to finish, the deadlock at Dalymount Park was broken after just four minutes, as Nickson Okosun gave the hosts the lead against the early run of play. 

The Bohs’ lead didn’t last long, however, because Leo Smith pulled his side level with a well-taken finish from inside the box with 10 minutes on the clock.

As the game continued in its end-to-end fashion, a moment of magic from Okosun, who beat Connor Roberts with a curling effort into the top corner, restored the hosts’ lead 11 minutes later.

And with six minutes to go before the break, the 11-time Irish champions extended their lead further when midfielder, James Clarke, pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area to fire into the roof of the net.

Half-time: Bohemians 3-1 The New Saints

Switching the entire outfield contingent at the break, The Saints’ head coach had the chance to cast his eye over the entire travelling group – an ideal opportunity with further friendlies approaching quickly on the horizon.

In the 51st minute, the new-look Saints pulled a goal back when Declan McManus powered home a 52nd-minute penalty following a foul on Ben Clark.

The visitors looked much brighter in the second period, and with 19 minutes to go, Chris Marriott found the head of Danny Davies with a superb cross, allowing the number 22 to head home an equaliser despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper.

And just like that, the match was flipped completely on its head, as Jordan Williams volleyed home from the edge of the six-yard box three minutes later to give his side the lead for the first time.

There was still time for Bohs to hit back again though, and Okosun completed an impressive hat-trick from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.

Full-time: Bohemians 4-4 The New Saints

First-half starting line-up: Connor Roberts; Ash Baker, Blaine Hudson, Ryan Astles, Billy Kirkman; Jon Routledge, Leo Smith, Danny Redmond; Ryan Brobbel, Adrian Cieslewicz, Gwion Dafydd

Second-half starting line-up: Connor Roberts; Josh Daniels, Danny Davies, Josh Pask, Chris Marriott; Dan Williams, Ben Clark, Jake Canavan; Jordan Williams, Adam Roscrow, Declan McManus