“THERE’S NO BIGGER GAME”

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BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
Friday March 21, SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm

Bohemian manager Owen Heary reckons there is ‘no bigger game’ than this Friday’s Dublin derby between his Gypsies and rivals Shamrock Rovers, writes KEVIN FAGAN.

Although both teams go into this clash with identical records from their first two SSE Airtricity League games (4 points each, 5 goals scored, 2 conceded), Heary believes form plays no part in these intense affairs.

“Form goes out the window, it’s all about who adapts well to the game. Big Dublin derbies against your biggest rivals – there’s no bigger game for us. It’ll be a challenge, but it’s one that the players are looking forward to.”

Bohs are on a wonderful run of results against their rivals from Tallaght – March 2012 was the last time the Hoops came out on top.

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Since then, Bohs have won three and drawn two of the last five league games between the two great clubs. Heary doesn’t necessarily believe that run has to end this week.

“I know some people have been saying ‘we haven’t lost to them in a while, we’re due to be beaten by them’, but I don’t understand that – why are we due to be beaten? We’ll push for the three points – we’ve done that in every game so far and tomorrow will be no different.”

Although the teams know each other well, Heary has made sure his players are well informed about Trevor Croly’s new-look team. “We don’t leave anything to chance, we try to give the players as much information as we can about how they play. The thing about Rovers is they have a wide selection of players. If you take their B team into account, they have up to 40 players to choose from, so it’ll be difficult.”

The atmosphere in the lead up to a Bohs-Rovers clash – and especially on the night – is unrivalled in League of Ireland football. Heary says his players are well aware of the importance of the game to the fans and hopes that can be to Bohs’ advantage. “There’s more expectation – the players know that. When they sign here, they know that these are the games that the fans love.

“With us and Rovers, that intensity is always there – no matter where either team is in the table – whether we’re fighting for leagues, cups or anything. I don’t think tomorrow will be any different. Hopefully we can adapt to that and get a result.”

The Bohs boss has been impressed with the attacking threat posed by his side – who have scored 13 goals in their four competitive games to date. “This year we’ve had the lads from pre-season, and we’ve worked a lot on their confidence – we wanted them to go out and express themselves. You can see that now with Dinny (Corcoran) whose confidence is high, Jay Byrne is chipping in, Paddy Kavanagh, Steven Beattie. We’ve plenty of attacking options and I think that gives the team that little bit of momentum.”

Captain Dave Mulcahy (knee) looks certain to miss out alongside Andy Mulligan (quad), and Lee Whelan (ankle). Anto Murphy is (hamstring) is still doubtful, while Karl Moore is available again following a groin injury.

Pic: Owen Heary and assistant Graham O’Hanlon (Eddie Lennon).

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