“WE NEED TO REPRODUCE LAST WEEK’S PERFORMANCE”
June 3, 2016
WEXFORD YOUTHS v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 3 June 2016, 8pm
Keith Long has challenged Bohemians to build on recent form ahead of their last game before the mid-season break.
The Gypsies face a tricky trip to face Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night.
But Long’s side come into the game in a confident mood after successive wins in the FAI Cup, Leinster Senior Cup and SSE Airtricity League.
Sunday’s 5-1 drubbing of St Pat’s – the club’s biggest win over the Saints in 39 years – capped off an impressive 10 days for the team, which ended a run of six league games without a win.
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Long said: “Our performances have improved over the last few weeks. But we won’t be getting ahead of ourselves by saying we’ve turned a corner just yet.
“Nobody would have ever expected us to beat St Pat’s 5-1 and, along with the two cup ties, we do come into the game with a bit of form now.
“We showed on Sunday that there are goals in this team. We hit St Pat’s early, we were really effective and made the most of our chances. But it’s a different game tomorrow and it will be extremely tough.
“We have to ensure we reproduce that intensity and tempo again so we can build on our recent form.”
First Division champions Wexford Youths have proved difficult opponents this season.
League leaders Dundalk needed an injury-time winner against them last Sunday, while the Youths claimed a notable scalp by beating Shamrock Rovers three weeks ago.
Long added: “It’s going to be tough. Wexford Youths have been very difficult opposition for every team so far in the division and will perhaps feel they should have more points in the board.
“The core of the team has been together a long time and Shane Keegan has made some subtle additions along the way.
“We were lucky to get away with a 3-3 draw when we played them earlier in the season, they ran Dundalk so close last week and they’ve beaten Rovers too.
“It will be difficult, but if the team can match the performances of recent weeks, we will give ourselves every chance.”
Mark Quigley is available for selection again after serving a suspension against St Pat’s.
But Jake Kelly (shoulder) faces four to six weeks on the sidelines, while Paddy Kavanagh (ankle) and Jason Caffrey (ankle) are both ruled out.
Also unavailable is Ayman Ben Mohamed due to his involvement with the Tunisian national team, while Dylan Hayes (calf) is a doubt.
Meanwhile, the Leinster Senior Cup final between Bohemians and Wexford Youths has been confirmed for Tuesday June 28, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm.
