“We must be fully committed in each game”
Posted in Latest News,PreviewSeptember 24, 2015Comments Off
DROGHEDA UTD v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, United Park, Friday 25 September, 7.45pm
Bohemians go to Drogheda hungry for a win after three successive draws, but wary of a Drogs team that is “scrapping for points”.
Manager Keith Long is on alert facing a Drogheda team that took a 6-0 drubbing from Dundalk last week. “Dundalk could have done that to any team. They’re in unbelievable form at the moment. I don’t expect Drogheda to be feeling sorry for themselves after that result.
“I expect them to re-focus and be ready for Friday. They know that three points are so important in the battle against relegation,” Long said.
“They will have targeted this home game against us. But I can assure them we’ll be going there looking for a good performance and a win.”
Long continues to insist that his team is pursuing maximum points from the remaining games, even though Bohemians’ position in the table is assured.
READ MORE
“We have a responsibility to ourselves and to the club to put in a performance every time we cross the line. The players have been reminded of that this week” said Long.
“We have to show respect for the league too. Every club below us is scrapping for points and we’ve got to make sure we’re fully committed in each game.”
Last Friday’s draw against Longford Town was a “missed opportunity”, according to Long. “With a full complement of players, we could have gone and won that game. It’s difficult to implement what you’re trying to do when you’re down to ten men and the momentum of the game changes.”
Bohemians’ work-rate and commitment in games have not weakened in any way, and midfielder Keith Buckley has set an example in that respect.
“He has become something of a legend in the club because of his travelling exploits [on bicycle] to and from Dalymount Park and I like how he has connected with the supporters,” said Long.
“He is very influential for us. His honesty and his work-rate are there for all to see. But I also want to see, as he develops, that the final pass becomes better.
“We’ve seen glimpses of that this season, like the pass he played against Shamrock Rovers in the build-up to our goal which he might not have played previously.
“But if we are looking for someone that epitomises the club at this time, we need look no further than Keith.”
The Bohemian manager was disappointed that the referee last Friday “put himself under pressure with soft yellow cards early in the game” but he was also disappointed that Buckley made a rash tackle when he was already on a yellow.
Buckley serves an automatic suspension this weekend. Anto Murphy is again sidelined with a groin injury along with James O’Brien who picked up a knock in training.
Dave Mulcahy is also doubtful having gone off with an ankle injury last week. Derek Pender and Marc Griffin, the long-term injured, remain out.
Dan Byrne returned to the matchday squad last week after nearly 18 months out of the game with a knee injury, apart from a very short interlude earlier this season. He has been in full training for three weeks, but is still building full strength and confidence to make him ready for a return.
“It has been very tough for Dan but I hope we’ll see him back in the team before the end of the season,” his manager said.
