Bohemians 1 Derry City 1

The general agreement was that we would have taken a point before the game, and with the balance of play we were more than happy to leave with one.

Me da and JMC had come down for the game, so picked them up at the airport and we set sail for Dalymount. Round the ground was quiet so we got parked up, I gave the flags to the Waterside SC and headed in to get set up for the commentary.

With commentary duties so I was in the Jodi Stand, whilst the rest of the travelling support was relegated to the Connaught Street stand, the first visit there since the 2001 FAI Cup semi final. I was caught by Tom the Gom on the way in, who confidently predicted that the League was wide open, the Joey Ndo was finished and that Bray would qualify for Europe. This was amongst other topics in a wide ranging debate with myself and Kevin Moore. Well not really a debate, as Tom talked as KM and I nodded sagely.

Have escaped Tom's clutches I got myself set up in the commentary position whilst the Bohs staff delivered a goodie bag of programmes, teamsheets and snacks. No wonder they are going bust if they can afford such largesse for the humble hack. Despite the attraction of opening night in Tallaght the press area was fairly busy as people set about trying to locate power cords and wireless connectivity.

The teamsheet showed that Sammy Morrow had missed out, having not recovered from a knock during the week. This prompted a discussion as to whether City would line up 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. As the crowd slowly filtered in, the PA guys were telling me that the Bohs players were choosing the music this season. This in no way explaining the succession of shockingly bad 80s "hits" that we were subjected to.

However the main event soon arrived and we'd plenty of action in the first 15 minutes. City hit first, with the Tommy Stewart goal after 8 minutes. He let the ball come across the front of his body, then hit it low into the right corner, leaving Murphy sprawling on the turf. A great finish, with Gareth McGlynn the architect. We were ahead! Cue joyous scenes on the far side as the travelling support celebrated a goal, probably somewhat earlier than they may have expected.

Unfortunately it wasn't to last, with Bohs back on level terms within ten minutes. Having had a shout for a penalty moments earlier, Bohs got a free kick when Molloy tackled Brennan. The winger stepped up and curled it into the far corner, with Doherty caught flat footed. Indeed from where I was sitting, Doherty's lack of reaction indicated that the ball must have taken a deflection on the way in. However everyone behind the flight of the ball confirmed that it was straight and true. This brought the home support to life and indeed Bohs probably had the better of the game from there on in, although it was far from a classic.

In the age of multimedia, I was providing a commentary on our game, watching the Rovers game on rte.ie and also an eye on the latest scores. All at the same time as trying to battle with the Wifi dropping at Dalymount.

The game was littered with sloppy passing and late challenges, never developing a rhythm. Fenn and Ndo were at the best of what the home side offered, whereas City seemed to lack ideas going forward. Stewart dropped back into midfield, leaving Farren to plough the lonely furrow up front. Stewart was my man of the match on the night, working tirelessly up and down the pitch and always offering an option for City. Bohs continued to press in the first half and although they forced a number of corners, Gerard Doherty wasn't unduly troubled by any efforts on goal.

The half time was enlivened by the appearance of the NOTW girls, and a general discussion on Rovers and Tallaght. The only problem is that it is a seriously cramped area and a visit to the toilet was in order after drinking a litre of water during the first half. A less than elegant exit and re-entry and I was ready to go for the second half.

City were struggling in the middle of the park, with the industrious Keegan and Deegan causing problems. Kearney had a very disappointing debut and as I remarked on commentary reminded me of a 16 year old trying to play with the adults. He was too slow to the ball, knocked off it far too easily and always got drawn inside, leaving the Derry side very narrow. I am loathe to criticise players from my own team, but his performance was so poor as to be glaringly obvious.

The second half was a repeat of the first, littered by errors on both side. Twice Crowe managed to get away from Hutton but fail to capitalise. It was one of the games where you start to notice that Pizza is losing another bit of pace. Fortunately, so is Crowe and the danger was averted.

However the best chance of the second half fell to Farren, when he was sent clear by Higgins. The striker seemed to be caught in two minds as to whether to round the keeper or to shoot. He seemed to plump for the compromise, to shoot whilst trying to take it round Murphy. The keeper got a glove to the ball, pushing it out for the corner.

Both sides probed for the rest of the second half but clear cut chances were in short supply. The main highlights were the now predictable shambolic decisions by officials. Mr Stokes obviously felt that his role as centre of attention was under threat and he proceeded to book Ciaran Martyn for what was not only a fair challenge, but one in which he won the ball!

The game petered out into a 1-1 draw which the away side will probably be the happier with.

Back in the house just after 1am which was not bad.

Roll on Tallaght!

Consensus: Good Point

Good Points: Tommy Stewart, not getting beat, the "shorts display" by the QUBSUDCFCSC

Bad Points: Liam Kearney, midfield over-run at times

Crowd guestimate: 1700