Buckley upbeat after draw

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There was a passage of play at Dalymount Park on Friday night that changed the ultimate reflection of the game between Bohemians and Sporting Fingal from that of a contest won handsomely by a home side in control, to that of a hard fought draw that could have positive effects going forward for the visitors.

Paddy Maddens shot off the upright for Bohemians in the 73rd minute was ushered out of the Fingal defence and the subsequent break led to the equaliser from Ger O’Brien. A loss on the night would have left Fingal boss Liam Buckley philosophising about his sides third defeat in a row. Instead the draw kept things tight at top of the Airtricity League and O’Brien’s goal will give the team some confidence in front of the Dalymount goalposts- it is here Sporting will welcome Maritimo back for the second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round clash.

The Fingal supremo was looking forward to that game when he spoke to Extratime in the wake of Friday’s drawn game.

“We’ve got a bit of background on them [Maritimo], their assistant coach is here this evening at the game, he’ll be here for Monday again [Fingal play Sligo Rovers at the Morton] having a look…….and we’re working on it to give ourselves as much chance as possible heading out there.”

Maritimo boast a string of Brazilians and Portuguese in their ranks with technique levels destined to clash in the first leg in Madeira. Buckley maintains his side will show for a fight and put it up to the Funchal based side.

“I’d like to have the tie alive coming back here to Dalymount Park in a couple of weeks time…..that would be our objective. They’re a decent side I’ve no doubt but from our point of view we’ve got some decent footballers and I expect us to do well out there.”

The Sporting manager believes that his players are big enough to keep all eyes on the task at hand in the league before the new adventure into Europe begins in just over a week’s time.

“If they’re [his team] not excited about coming here, decent crowd, Bohs are arguably the team to be this year….if you beat Bohs I feel you’ll win this league…then there’s something wrong. “ I think they’re all excited about it [Europe], now lets keep that excitement going and we’ll see what happens.”

With the transfer window now open Buckley has until the 8th of July to bring in new players that would be eligible for European football. There has been little movement in the transfer market at Morton Stadium however save for one interesting trialist. Ciaran O’Brien has joined the side from MLS club Colorado Rapids. His father, the legendry Fran, has been living in the States for a number of years where the young Ciaran was brought up.

“He’s going to be with us and [we’ll] see how it goes….he’s done well in training I have to say, so we’ll have a good look at him over the next few days…..make a decision probably in the next week on him,” concluded Buckley.