PREVIEW: BOHEMIANS v SHELBOURNE
Posted in Latest News,PreviewMarch 7, 2024Comments Off
Declan Devine believes Bohemians’ defeat to Drogheda United must serve as a wake-up call for his side when Shelbourne provide the opposition at Dalymount Park tomorrow.
Bohs went into Monday’s game buoyed by a 1-0 win against St Patrick’s Athletic in their previous outing but Devine was left deeply frustrated as his side crumbled against Drogs at Weavers Park.
He said: “Our general play was unrecognisable to the game against St Pat’s. It was a really disappointing night, and a really disappointing team performance. We lacked intensity about our play, and the manner of the goals that we gave away was very disappointing.
“Having had the performance we had in Inchicore, Monday was a strange night for us. It wasn’t good enough, and is a night that we want to put to bed. We want a response from the players because we know we are better than that.
“It has got to serve as a wake-up call for us. We have to make sure that every time we take to the pitch we have got to bring the intensity we are capable of with us onto the pitch, and we have to be structured in how we approach games.
“There was a huge element of luck in the two goals Drogheda scored but both were very preventable. We have to make sure that if anyone is to do anything against us that they have to work a hell of a lot harder for it than Drogheda did.
“The last couple of weeks have been important for us on the training pitch with so many new players in and getting everyone up to speed. But we all know that our work in training has to be replicated on the pitch, and we let ourselves down on Monday night.
“As a group, we have spoken about that, and now we have to go out and perform and put the Drogheda result and performance to bed.”
But the fixture list doesn’t get any easier with Shelbourne, early league leaders with three wins and a draw from their opening four games, the opposition at Dalymount Park.
Devine said: “We understand the disappointment from Monday, but this game couldn’t come quick enough for us and we have been looking forward to it all week.
“I am happy with how the group has gelled in training. They have been together now a wee bit longer, have got to know each other, and now it is a case of them going out there and showing what they are capable of against difficult opponents.
“When we play in Dalymount, there is no better place to play. But we have a responsibility as well to make sure the fans have something to get behind. Our form at Dalymount last year was strong, and we need to build on that now. Our home form has to be right on the money.
“Shelbourne have had an outstanding start to the season and have already had some big wins. They have performed very well and have strengthened their squad very well as well.
“Our games against Shelbourne last year were generally tight affairs, so we know that going into the game that we are going to have to be at our very best.
“But we are very much looking forward to playing at Dalymount Park. We were disappointed that the game against Dundalk last Friday was called off as we want to be putting in performances in front of our home fans.
“It’s a big rival now coming into our backyard now, another Dublin derby, so there is no extra motivation needed.”
Team news
Paddy Kirk and Declan McDaid are doubts with knock.
James McManus will miss this one but will continue his recovery from a foot injury by playing for the U20s this weekend.
Keith Buckley (knee) and Rob Cornwall (knee) remain out.