The interlude between European Club competitions seems to grow narrower every year, a point emphasised by the participation of Bohemians in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup on Saturday 18 June 2005.

The ‘Gypsies’ got off to a reasonable start in the competition with a 1-0 victory over KAA Gent of Belgium at Dalymount Park. Bohemians, showing superior fitness, dominated much of the game and will be a little disappointed to have only a single goal advantage when they travel to Ghent for the second leg on Saturday next 25 June 2005.

The goal was scored three minutes into the second half when veteran striker Tony Grant got on the end of a left wing cross from former senior international Dominic Foley to head home. In the first half, Foley and youngster Stephen Ward both went close for Bohemians with the only real defensive scare coming mid-way through the second half when Des Byrne and Ken Oman contrived to present the Belgian substitute Matthijs with a gilt edged opportunity but he stabbed his effort over the bar.

In the return leg next Saturday, Bohemians will be hoping that their superior fitness, consequent upon the Eircom League being well under way while the Belgian League is currently dormant, will lead to a disciplined defensive performance enabling them to progress to the next stage of the competition.