LSC Semi-Final Preview: Bohemians -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Oct 01 2015




BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be aiming to keep their hopes of a piece of silverware alive when they take on arch rivals Shamrock Rovers in the semi-finals of the Leinster Senior Cup on Friday night.

 

Bohs have seen off Bray Wanderers as well as non-league outfit Newtown United to get to this stage of the competition.

 

The earlier rounds of the Leinster Senior Cup saw Bohs manager Keith Long give playing time to a number of young players.  However with this tie being further on in the competition and given the opposition, Bohs are set to take this one a little more seriously.

 

“Obviously the further you go in the competition, and with the draw at home against Shamrock Rovers, it becomes important. The players will certainly need no added incentive to give this their full commitment,” Long said ahead of Friday night's Dublin derby.

 

“In previous rounds we have been able to give younger players some game-time and that’s the way a lot of clubs would treat this competition. 

 

"But it is a chance for silverware, and we’ll approach the game in the manner that we’ve done throughout the season and we’ll be going all-out to try and win the game,” the Bohs boss revealed.

 

Bohemians have taken five points from Shamrock Rovers during the rivals' three league meetings this season.  However, Long believes that come Friday night that will count for nothing.

 

"We will have to concentrate on getting our performance right on Friday. It’s a head-to-head and we’ll see who comes out on top,” concluded Long.

 

Dave Mulcahy and Keith Buckley return after injury and suspension respectively.  Anto Murphy is back in training after injury, but will not be risked, while Stephen Best and Derek Prendergast are expected to overcome knocks to take part in the game. Summer signing from Dundalk Jake Kelly is cup-tied.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers would've been hoping to continue their quest for that elusive 25th FAI Cup this weekend.

 

However, after being knocked out by St Patrick's Athletic in what's certainly noted as Ireland's number one cup competition, the Hoops are forced to continue their battle for their 19th Leinster Senior Cup.

 

Rovers, who have won the Leinster Senior up twice in the last four years defeated Midlands duo Athlone Town and Longford Town to obtain a place in Friday night's semi-final.

 

Given that the Hoops have started so well in both the National under 19 and under 17 divisions, losing just one match each, Rovers boss Fenlon could well reward a number of those young players with a place in Friday night's squad.

 

However, looking at previous rounds, Fenlon elected to mix his regular first team players along with a couple of youths, while predominantly filling the substitute’s bench with youngsters.

 

Also, with no league fixture this weekend, the Hoops coaching staff may look to keep the first team squad heading into the final four games of their season.

 

Referee: N/A

 

MATCH STATS

Rovers beat Bohemians 3-0 at Tallaght Stadium when the sides met in the earlier rounds of the Leinster Senior Cup last season.

 

The last time Bohemians defeated Shamrock Rovers in a cup competition was back in 2011 when the Gypsies beat their rivals 2-1 in a Leinster Senior Cup quarter final at Dalymount Park back in 2011.  The sides have met three times in various cup competitions since.

 

Five of Shamrock Rovers' last six Leinster Senior Cup ties have taken place away from Tallaght Stadium.

 

BETTING

Bohemians 8/5; Draw 9/4; Shamrock Rovers 8/5.

 

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-3 Shamrock Rovers

 

Bohemians

Injured: Anto Murphy.

Doubtful: Derek Prendergast, Stephen Best.

Suspended: None.

Cup-Tied: Jake Kelly. 

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Unavailable

Cup-Tied: None.