Southend's Michael Merrigan shows his delight with manager Pat Carey after their last gasp equaliser. | Photos: Noel Browne
Since the outset of the season Southend United and Bohemians have being fighting it out for the Youth ‘A’ Championship. Going into this midweek game both sides had played ten games and each had banked 28 points. The only points dropped between them was the earlier meeting some time ago, so it was on the cards that this would be a very tight affair and so it proved.
Bohs had conceded only four goals in their ten games. Southend had leaked only three so this was never going to be a high scoring match. Both outfits had three more matches to play after this meeting, and it would not be surprising if they had to meet once again in a play-off tie in Ozier Park to determine who will be crowned champions.
No goals
Bohemians captain Shane Nolan had the first chance of the match on eight minutes when he latched onto a loose Anthony Fitzpatrick clearance following a Ryan Foley right-footed cross; however the centre forward hooked his shot inches over the crossbar.
Southend had a penalty appeal ruled out on 10 minutes when Stuart Mitchell went to ground under a challenge from Kevin Barry but the referee was having none of it. Three minutes later Shane Nolan tackled Glen Hawe inside the box but again play was waved on. After 17 minutes Bohs’ Paul Whyte won a left-wing corner. Ryan Foley headed on to Brian Nolan but he hit the side netting with his effort.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.
