Bohemians took the lead through Ross Tierney's goal in the 21st minute but were ultimately defeated 2-1 by Shamrock Rovers, who struck twice in the second half to claim victory at Dalymount Park. The numbers reveal a complex match: Bohemians dominated the shot count and expected goals, yet Shamrock Rovers converted their chances with greater efficiency and controlled possession to edge the contest. The Lemeister model had given the away side a narrow 39 per cent chance of winning, making the outcome a predictable but close result.
Ross Tierney opened the scoring for Bohemians from a Dayle Rooney assist. That goal arrived despite Shamrock Rovers holding more of the ball, and it appeared to trigger a period of sustained pressure from the hosts. Bohemians finished the match with 23 total shots, 15 of which came from inside the box, and an expected goals figure of 2.54. By standard metrics, they created the better openings. However, only four of those attempts were on target, and the Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper made three saves, suggesting a lack of precision in front of goal despite the volume.
Shamrock Rovers gradually worked their way back into the match. Their equaliser came in the 73rd minute, a normal goal scored by J. McGovern and assisted by T. Sobowale. The visitors were disciplined in their attacking approach: from only nine total shots, they put six on target, a conversion rate far superior to the home side's. Enda Stevens then scored what proved to be the winner in the 90th minute, with an assist from D. Watts, completing the turnaround in the closing stages of normal time.
Possession statistics show Shamrock Rovers had 53 per cent of the ball and completed 341 of their 427 passes at an 80 per cent accuracy rate, compared with Bohemians' 47 per cent possession and 78 per cent passing accuracy. This control allowed the visitors to manage the game despite being outshot. Bohemians committed 11 fouls and collected two yellow cards, while Shamrock Rovers had 14 fouls and three yellow cards, a sign of a combative contest. Discipline matters were balanced in terms of the final outcome.
Dayle Rooney was the highest-rated player on the pitch with a match rating of 8.2, reflecting his assist and an influential performance in Bohemians' attacking work. Ross Tierney, the goalscorer, rated 7.9, and Kacper Chorążka also impressed with a 7.7 rating for the home side. For Shamrock Rovers, Matthew Healy and Jack Byrne each received 7.3, with match-winner Enda Stevens on 7.2. The visitors' defence, while not highly rated, held firm when needed.
The result moves Shamrock Rovers to an important away victory in the Premier Division regular season. Bohemians, despite producing the greater volume of chances and a higher expected goals total, were undone by their finishing and a late lapse. The defeat will sting given the underlying data, but the points went to the side that made fewer errors in front of goal. Shamrock Rovers' capacity to remain composed under pressure and take their opportunities proved decisive.
