Devoy inspires Boh to famous European victory

Ashbourne man Dawson Devoy was in sensational form as he inspired Bohemians to a stunning Europa Conference League first qualifying round victory over Icelandic side Stjarnan.

After securing a 1-1 draw in Iceland, Bohs welcomed 6,000 fans to the Aviva Stadium for last night's game and while George Kelly grabbed the goals it was Devoy who stole the show with a superb display.

From the off the opening minutes, Bohemians, who also had Skryne man James Finnerty on the bench, took control of the tie with Devoy was at the heart of most of their best passages of play.

The 19-year-old saw a shot deflect narrowly wide early on. Tyreke Wilson then flashed a low cross across the box, the ball just evading Georgie Kelly.

The chances kept coming. Devoy got his angles wrong and curled one wide of the far post. Then he found Kelly at the back post, only for the in-form striker to see his effort well saved by Haraldur Björnsson.

The goal did eventually come when Devoy gathered an overhit corner, cut between two Stjarnan defenders and squared the ball to Kelly, who finished well to ensure a 1-0 interval lead.

After a slow start to the second period Bohs took control again with Devoy central to all their good play.

The Ashbourne man nipped in to free a loose ball to Liam Burt who allowed Kelly bag his second.

With a half hour remaining Bohs were 3-1 ahead on aggregate, but they showed no signs of relenting with Devoy cutting inside and floated a ball towards Tierney, who couldn’t connect properly. Devoy also sent a low shot against Björnsson’s legs.

The lively Burt eventually supplied the third goal to ensure a date against Luxembourg’s Dudelange in the second qualifying round as well as securing €350,000 in UEFA prize money for the club.