Reynolds on nervy Bohemians win

Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds admitted a combination of a "sticky" pitch and European nerves contributed to a laboured victory over St Joseph's at Dalymount Park.

Despite enjoying dominance of possession, the first leg of the Conference League first qualifying round tie remained deadlocked at the interval.

After much huffing and puffing, a Douglas James-Taylor penalty midway through the second-half finally put the hosts ahead, while a last-minute Connor Parsons header means the Gypsies head to Gibraltar for the return-leg with a two-goal cushion.

The record books will show Bohs’ first European outing on their home patch in 14 years as a 2-0 win, but speaking to RTÉ Sport afterwards, Reynolds said nerves over a return to the European stage was a factor, as was the stifling heat in the last few with regards the playing surface, describing the Dalymount pitch as "sticky".

"It (surface) slowed the game down for us and they were getting into their low block. It really helped them, and then frustration set in," he said.

"We had to dig in and stick with it. It was difficult, but we got there."

Reynolds says getting 90 minutes of European experience under the belt will stand to the team, especially ahead of the second leg.

"It was the first time a lot of those lads have played in Europe. It was the first European game at Dalymount Park in 14 years.

"It was edgy, and patience isn’t great in football. It will help them (the players).

"Now we know what we’re facing. We need to be better next week."

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