Preview: Bohemians v St Patrick’s Athletic

Archie Meekison

Alan Reynolds says he was pleased with the reaction of his players away to Derry City on Friday but says they need to build on that when the league’s in-form side St Patrick’s Athletic come to Dalymount Park tomorrow night.

Bohs went to the Brandywell two days ago to take on Derry City on the back of a bruising 2-0 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup semi-final defeat against the same opposition a week previously.

Reynolds’ side played some good stuff in the first half, with a neat finish from Archie Meekison after 20 minutes giving them a deserved lead.

They were pegged back by Pat Hoban just after the hour-mark, but Reynolds was pleased with how his players responded after a difficult week.

Reynolds said: “It was a real game of two halves and ultimately I was pleased with our performances in both halves for different reasons.

“In the first half, I was pleased because we showed real quality. Having played the same side on our home patch a week previously, I was deeply frustrated with that performance and how despite having so much possession, we failed to test their keeper.

“But I think in the first half we showed we have quality, and we showed we are capable of putting it up to top teams.

“In the second half, I was pleased with the players for a different reason. I was pleased because they showed a grit and determination that has too often eluded us this season. Derry came after us and they have real quality in their team to do so, but I felt that we battled for everything.

“Ultimately on another day it’s a game we could have won. Derry should have had a man sent off and with that I think we would have had enough about us to win the game.

“In isolation it is a good result. The Brandywell has always been a difficult place for any team to get a result so we are pleased to get a result.

“But it’s also another draw for us where I feel we could have won the game. That’s our tenth draw in the league this season and when we look back we know we have left a lot of points behind us in games we were capable of winning.

“That has been one of the disappointing aspects of this season, that we have had a platform in games where we are right in it to win but haven’t had enough about us to put teams away.”

Friday’s result, coupled with Drogheda United’s 0-0 draw away to Waterford, maintained Bohs’ four-point gap ahead of ninth place.

But standing in their way of extending that advantage tomorrow night is a St Patrick’s Athletic team unbeaten in the league since July and who have won their last five games.

Former Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has overseen a total turnaround in fortunes since a shaky start to his reign. Qualification for Europe is now within their grasp, and they are already being tipped as contenders for next season.

Reynolds added: “Listen they are a quality side. I expect an entertaining game, and I expect it to be open.

“They’re in the hunt for Europe and will be coming here with their tails up after a brilliant run. We know where we are at in the table, so we need to build on the positives of Friday and give absolutely everything of ourselves again.”

Team news

Bohemians continue to be without the injured Leigh Kavanagh, James Akintunde, James McManus, Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley, while Martin Miller is available once more.

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