Bohemians -v- Derry City

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be hoping to maintain momentum after Monday’s hard fought victory over Shelbourne in Tolka Park. This Friday they take on high flying Derry City in Dalymount and with Bohemians in 6^th place every point is crucial as their early form may determine if they are challenging for a European spot or instead dragged into a relegation scrap.

The Gypsies will have to cope without their skipper and talisman of the team, Owen Heary, after he picked up a knee injury in last Friday’s game against Sligo Rovers. Michael Barker and Chris Lyons are also expected to miss this game.

Manager Aaron Callaghan was pleased with his team’s performance on Monday night, in particular his more experienced players such as Derek Pender, Dave Mulcahy and Stephen Paisley.

“Their experience counted when Shelbourne had us pinned back for twenty minutes in the second half.”

However, he also expects a tough test on Friday night against a team in form.

“They will be coming to us full of confidence. They have had a good start to the season. We have to make sure our preparation is right and we have to concentrate on our own performance and make sure we don’t make those errors that cost us against Sligo.”

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes travel to Dalymount Park as favourites due to their blistering start to the league this year. As things stand they are 2^nd place in the league, five points behind Sligo Rovers. Their only league defeat this season has come at the hands of the champions and current leaders on the opening night of the campaign. They have followed this up with fours wins and a draw including a 2-0 victory over Bray Wanderers on Monday and an impressive 4-0 demolition of Shelbourne last Friday.   

Their last two wins were at the Brandywell but a trip to Dublin will not strike fear into this Derry team given their 6-0 victory against UCD in March when they last played in the capital. When the sides met at Dalymount Park in the corresponding league fixture last year it ended in a 2-1 victory for Derry City. This game was not without controversy, with Bohs feeling aggrieved by what they saw as contentious refereeing decisions. So, Derry will expect to encounter a team determined to set the record straight and attempting to gain revenge.

Speaking to BBC Northern Ireland manager Declan Devine spoke in glowing terms of his teams form coming into this game.

“It’s pleasing that so many young players are stepping up to the plate. As long as we are not giving away silly goals we have an opportunity to beat any side and we are confident in ourselves. The chances we have created and the goals we’ve scored have been pleasing and everyone is working extremely hard.

He did however strike a note of caution when talking about the condition of the pitch and the quality of the opposition.

“The pitch at Dalymount Park is not in a great state and this will make free-flowing football difficult. We expect Bohs to ask questions of us but when games are close, it’s vital that you push on and win.”

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

MATCH STATS

Derry City are unbeaten away from home in the league this season.

Bohemians have won three of their last six competitive games.

BETTING

Bohemians 13/5, Draw 11/5, Derry City, 21/20.

PREDICTION

A tight affair but Derry to emerge as 1-0 victors.

Bohemians

Injured: Owen Heary (knee), Chris Lyons (ankle), and Michael Barker (ankle).
Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Rory Patterson (doubtful), Sean Houston (doubtful), Stewart Greacen (knee) and Kevin Deery (knee).
Suspended: None.