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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Declan Devine eager to leave 'frustrating' Bohemians performance behind ahead of big week

Declan Devine was frustrated by Bohemians’ performance at UCD last night but won’t dwell on it ahead of a big week.

The Gypsies conceded an 88th minute equaliser as the Premier Division’s bottom side battled back for a deserved point.

Bohs sub Jonathan Afoloabi came off the bench at half-time and scored an early second-half goal before teenager Jake Doyle equalised at the death.

But manager Devine has told his players to dust themselves down and forget about it ahead of Monday’s home clash with Cork City and Friday’s trip to derby rivals Shamrock Rovers.

Bohs lead at the top of the table has been cut to three points and reflecting on last night’s encounter at the Bowl, Devine said: “I don't think it was a good night for us, by any stretch.

“We started the game quite well, the first couple of minutes, but we just got very lethargic, we didn't play in our shape or our positions very well.

“We started the second-half a lot brighter and scored a very good goal but we just didn't do enough in terms of the final-third entries, we didn't execute them very well.

“It's a disappointing result but that's all it is and we now get ourselves set for Cork on Monday, a big game at Dalymount and hopefully we can perform at a higher level.”

UCD’s Jack Keaney and Dean Williams of Bohs (©INPHO/Bryan Keane)

UCD’s pitch came in for criticism, although the Belfield outfit believe it will improve significantly in the weeks ahead, now that the rugby season is finishing.

Devine said: “The pitch was terrible. You can see the amount of sand on the pitch and we looked jaded and lethargic in the second-half.

“We’re very fit, but the pitch was terrible although it was the same for both teams and we just had one of those nights.

“We’re disappointed in how and when we conceded. We have to be more intelligent, more protective of the lead in the 88th minute.

“We have to take it on the chin. There’s a lot of football to be played

“But we take our wins and take our defeats, so we take this draw and move on and try to get better for Monday.”

Ali Coote is fit again after injury but missed the UCD game because of illness, with Devine hoping the Scot returns against Cork at Dalymount Park on Monday.

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