Preview: Dundalk v Bohemians

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Bohemians go into their final three games of the season knowing that maximum points will almost certainly guarantee a top-half finish, bringing Setanta Sports Cup football to Dalymount Park next season, against all the odds.

Starting off this end-of-season run is a trip to bottom side Dundalk (Saturday, Oriel Park, 7pm).

The Lilywhites are doomed to a relegation play-off against either Longford or Waterford at the end of the season.

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But Bohs boss Aaron Callaghan doesn’t believe that means this will an easy game for his young side.

“I know they’ve had a few bad beatings in recent games, but I don’t think they’ll be resting players (for the playoff) to be honest,” Callaghan said.

“I think they’ll be trying to win as many games as they can. There’s a pretty big gap until the play-off, so I think they’ll be trying to get a bit of confidence back into their group.”

Callaghan dismissed notions that revenge would be on the minds of the Bohs players, following Dundalk’s victory in Dalymount in the FAI Cup Quarter Final last month.

Victory over Dundalk would be the Gypsies’ only clean sweep of wins against another Airtricity League team this season.“What’s gone is gone. We cant change the past. The cup game was just one of those nights, it took a special free kick to win it. From my point of view, it’s just about getting the three points”

“We’ve done well against them this season, won home and away. I didn’t think either side played well in the cup game to be honest. From our side, it’s about getting as many points as we can and trying to finish in that fifth spot.”

And what an achievement that would be. Considering the position the club were in in February, Callaghan believes a top-half finish would be a massive coup for his resurgent Bohemians.

“To cement a Setanta Cup place, having been where we were at the start of the season – not knowing if we even had a club – I think it would be an unbelievable achievement for everyone involved.”“I think it would be a massive achievement. Not only for the players – with the effort and the application they’ve put in this year, but also for the club.

Kevin Feely is suspended for the game against Dundalk following his red card against UCD, while Adam Martin is out with an ankle injury.

Otherwise, Callaghan expects to have a full squad at his disposal for the trip to Oriel.

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