“LONGFORD WILL BE A DIFFERENT ANIMAL”

Bohs v Longford (3 of 33)

BOHEMIANS v LONGFORD TOWN
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 10 April, 7.45pm

Bohemians welcome Longford Town back to Dalymount for a second time in four days. But manager Keith Long says this will be a “different game altogether” from Tuesday’s.

“Longford will be a different animal on Friday night. I saw them play last weekend against St Patrick’s , and they could have won the game. They have a very experienced group of players and are coming to Dalymount in good form, unbeaten in four league games. So, it will be a difficult game for us.”

In the EA Sports Cup Long was able to make nine changes to the side that beat Drogheda 1-0. Bohemians ran out 3-1 winners over a Longford side that was also much- changed from its last league appearance.

Coming from a goal behind on Tuesday, and playing with ten men for 70 minutes last Friday, Bohemians have shown the belief that is in the squad, but also the competition for places in the league starting XI.

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“Against Drogheda, we showed great resilience and defensive organisation after going a man down within 20 minutes. To get the goal at the death and to come away with three points was very pleasing ,” said Long.

“We have a group of players that are demanding of each other both in training and in games and there is competition for places throughout the squad, and that’s what we want.”

Substitutes Keelan Dillon and Marc Griffin played vital roles in securing the three points in Drogheda, combining for the striker’s 88th-minute goal.

Dave Mulcahy may feature against Longford Town on Friday, as he comes back to full fitness. Stephen Best came off after a knock on Tuesday and is doubtful. With Derek Prendergast suspended, Long will have to reshuffle his back line.

The manager acknowledges his defenders’ and goalkeeper Dean Delany’s contributions to five clean sheets in six league games, and seven clean sheets in all nine competitive games this season. The team’s defensive record is a collective effort, he insists.

“Dean gets the credit, and rightly so. He saved a penalty up in Drogheda and has pulled off important saves in games,” said Long.

“But it’s not just Dean, defending starts from the front and the work-rate and effort of the players throughout the team has been very good.”

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