Brilliant Bohemians claim more derby joy against Shamrock Rovers to close gap at top of Premier Division

The Bohemians manager gestured to the home supporters to raise the noise levels, and they responded positively and vociferously.

It was an exchange that highlighted the change of mood around Dalymount Park since the stunning derby turnaround in Tallaght on Easter Monday where some Bohs fans were joining in with Rovers chants that Reynolds was about to be sacked in the morning as the Hoops opened up a two-goal lead.

Reynolds hung back in the post-match celebrations that followed a thrilling comeback, with all sorts of emotions visible in the Bohs camp.

They have been a different team since then and while last Friday’s loss in Waterford was a bump in the road, this fully-deserved victory over the league leaders – it’s three from three for Bohs against Rovers this term – moves Reynolds’ side within nine points but, crucially, with two games in hand.

It’s still a big ask but maybe, just maybe, the storyline void left by events just down the road might be filled for the rest of this campaign by another north Dublin club infused with unexpected energy.

Certainly, if they can maintain this performance level for the rest of the campaign, Bohs fans will realistically be thinking about European endeavours next summer, five years on from their last appearance at that stage.

Bohemians secure derby bragging rights with huge win over Shamrock Rovers

The return of Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney, two big elements of the Keith Long side that caused Rovers more problems than anyone as they started on their march to four in a row, has helped to make Bohs a potent force again with their quality having a very significant influence.

Within two minutes, it was clear that this derby would break from the script that appeared to have been developing in recent weeks; the sense of inevitability that has accompanied an apparent Rovers procession towards the title.

Waterford had challenged the angle that Bohs were emerging as a genuine rival to the Hoops but they burst out of the blocks with the look of a team liberated from any disappointments.

As the Dalymount patrons took a bit of amusement from Aaron Greene tripping over himself while attempting a backheel, Bohs struck with purpose, clipping the ball in the direction of the strong running James Clarke who chased down Roberto Lopes and helped to force an uncharacteristic error that allowed the Gypsies attacker to seize control and tee up Dayle Rooney who powered a first time left footer past Ed McGinty.

Sometimes, an early goal can lead to a team taking the foot off the gas. Bohemians pressed down, however, just as they were pressing Rovers relentlessly in their own half.

Reynolds is operating without a recognised striker and Clarke has been characterised as a false nine but, in truth, that position rotated.

Devoy was a constant in the centre of the park, but ahead of him, it was a combination of Tierney, Rooney, Clarke and Adam McDonnell that rotated to good effect.

A goalkeeper stoppage after a helpful Ed McGinty knock allowed Rovers to take a breather and have a little spell in the ascendency but when opposite number Kacper Chorazka went down, Bohs were able to find their rhythm. Graham Burke got more involved in Rovers brief spell, but the playmaker and Jack Byrne found it hard to locate the space that has been a feature of their better derby days here.

Instead, it was the Devoy and Tierney show that doubled the advantage just before the interval, with the old pals entering five a side mode with a quick interchange and a sumptuous Devoy backheel that was anticipated by Tierney who drove into the area and crossed into the box where covering Dan Cleary could only clear against Clarke with the momentum pulling the ball into the net.

Bohs were in dreamland. In contrast to April, what they needed was a second half devoid of major events.

All things considered, they managed it reasonably well, despite Rovers showcasing their frightening depth with Michael Noonan, Dylan Watts and Danny Mandroiu all on the pitch within 10 minutes of the restart.

They began to ask questions of Bohs but a focused rearguard succeeded in preventing Chorazka from being exposed to real danger. The closest the game came to a third goal was a Bohs break that culminated in Lopes clearing a Devoy effort off the line.

It didn’t matter. This time around, Bohs didn’t need three goals for the three points. At full-time, they celebrated in unison with no mixed feelings, their summer suddenly alive with possibility.

Bohemians: Chorazka, Smith, Morahan, Cornwall, Flores; Smith, Devoy, Mountney; Rooney, Tierney, McDonnell (Buckley 64), Clarke.

Shamrock Rovers: McGinty, Cleary (Ozhianvuna 81), Lopes, Grace (Kovalevskis 87); Grant, Byrne (Mandroiu 53), Healy, McEneff (Watts 53), Honohan; Burke, Greene (Noonan 45).

Referee: K O’Sullivan.