Sligo Rovers -v- Bohemians

• Jessica Farry
• Fri, Apr 22 2011


Bohemians will be traveling to the Showgrounds on Friday night to take on Sligo in the hope of securing three points after a disappointing 1-1 draw with rivals Shamrock Rovers last week. (Kick off 7.35pm)

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers will be hoping to forget about Monday night’s Setanta Cup semi-final loss to Shamrock Rovers. Sligo were lucky to come away with a point in their clash with Dundalk at Oriel Park last weekend although an excellent defensive performance ensured that they left with the one point which allowed them to join Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at the top of the league table.

Sligo boss Paul Cook said “It is a big game. I think it will be a big crowd and the lads deserve that. We are competing towards the top of the table and I think that is where people want us to be. The league is our priority this season by a country mile. Every game in it presents an important challenge and this will be no different.”

However, Cook has some selection worries regarding his strikers. Matthew Blinkhorn is out with a back injury, while Raffaele Cretaro is a doubt due to illness. However, the ‘bit o’red’ will be boosted by the return of John Russell, who was suspended for the Setanta Sports Cup game.

Bohs will be without Glenn Cronin and Barry Murphy who are both suffering from knee injuries but Pat Fenlon received some good news with Christy Fagan and Ollie Cahill returning to training on Tuesday. The Gypsies boss was unsure whether either would be fit to face Sligo, “We’ll have to see how they are tomorrow, I wouldn’t think they’d be ready. We might have a chance with one of them, but its 50-50 at this stage”.

Bohemians, who lie in 5th place, were unlucky not to defeat Shamrock Rovers when they faced each other last weekend as a 93rd minute goal from Ronan Finn saw Bohs come out of the game with just the one point.

Fenlon added: “In a one-off game I think we’re capable of beating anyone. Our problem is, with our small squad, with so many young players, it’s tough to keep that going. But with everyone available, on our day, I’d fancy us to give anyone a game.”

Looking forward to the fixture against Sligo, Fenlon said: “It’ll be a tough game. I think Sligo are probably as good as Rovers, in fact they’re probably a better footballing side than Rovers. It’s always a tough place to go, we always have it hard up there so I’m sure it’ll be no different”.

Both sides will want a win to keep up their title hopes. Sligo arguably have a stronger side but injuries have lead to a lack of strength up front while Bohemians will surely be motivated after their draw with the champions.

Sligo Rovers
Injured: Matthew Blinkhorn.
Doubtful: Raffaele Cretaro.
Suspended: None.

Bohemians
Injured: Glenn Cronin, Barry Murphy.
Doubtful: Christy Fagan, Ollie Cahill.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Damien Hancock.
Paddypower odds: Sligo evens; Draw 23/10; Bohs 13/5.
Extratime.ie match prediction: Sligo to win 2-1.