Bohemians boss Declan Devine reckons winning ugly can sometimes be a thing of beauty.
Considering Drogheda United’s ability to pull off an eye-catching result - away to his old side Derry for instance - he was delighted with last night’s 2-0 win at Weavers Park.
Bohs stretched their lead at the top of the table to five points from four after Paddy Kirk and Declan McDaid goals.
But until McDaid’s clincher deep in injury-time - after a comical fresh air hack from Drogs keeper Colin McCabe - their only attack of note was Kirk’s first-half opener.
Devine said: “That's winning ugly. I don't mind that at all. I would rather win ugly than lose playing beautiful, so let's take the three points and move on.”
It only looked like one team would score midway through the second-half and that was Drogheda.
“It was a tough game,” continued Devine. “Drogheda are a good side with good players, they have a physicality that a lot of teams don't have.
“I was disappointed in how we rushed some clearances and didn't try and slow the tempo of the game down.
“But for a new group, they have shown so much character and their willingness to do the ugly stuff as well is something that will help us.
“We answered some questions after (losing at home to St Pat’) last week. We knuckled down in training and that's a massive three points for us.”
Devine continued: “This is a really difficult place to come. We’ve been pretty in other games and not taken points so it's pleasing.
“After a bit of hurt last week, in the way we gave away the goals, I thought we defended brilliantly here. It was real character and it shows you the importance of clean sheets.
“That's coming to Drogheda, to the Brandywell, to Inchicore and Sligo - four away clean sheets for us and that gives you a catalyst to go on.”
Ali Coote has missed the last two games because of injury but Devine hopes he will return next week and James Akintunde the week after.
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