“It’s a game we have to win”

Keith Long and Jake Kelly - By Eddie Lennon

BOHEMIANS v GALWAY UTD
Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup, Dalymount Park, Friday 20 May 2016, 7.45pm

Keith Long says Bohemians need to start showing a ruthless streak if they are to progress in the FAI Cup.

The Gypsies, buoyed by Ayman Ben Mohamed’s call-up to the Tunisian national team, host Galway United on Friday having failed to win or score in six league games.

Long said: “It’s hugely important and it’s a game we have to win.

“It’s the only all-Premier Division tie of the round against a good Galway team, who have already beaten us this season.

“It will be a tough game but we are the home team and we are expected to win.

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“If we can reproduce the performance from down in Sligo last week but take our chances this time, then I am confident we can get the victory.”

Long was once again left frustrated as Bohs passed up several gilt-edged opportunities in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away to Sligo Rovers to end their barren run.

He said: “It’s too easy to say we were unlucky. It’s more than luck, so we can’t play the luck card.

“We played well and with a high tempo but we are not being ruthless enough. We had at least a half-dozen clear-cut chances, not just half-chances.

“On another night, with the amount of chances we passed up, we would have won the game comfortably.

“Obviously we were disappointed with the goal we conceded too, but ultimately we have to stop being so wasteful in front of goal. It’s as simple as that.”

Bohs’ selection options have been limited by the decision of Anto Murphy to leave the club due to family and work commitments.

Long said: “Anto has been a great servant for the club for several years. It’s disappointing, he will be a big loss.

“We will have to wait until July before we can strengthen our squad but I have a few irons in the fire.”

One major doubt for Friday’s game is Derek Prendergast, who was forced off against Sligo with a hamstring injury.

Jason Caffrey (hamstring) has returned to full training after a long lay-off but will not be risked against Galway.

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