Preview: Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers
May 2, 2024
Alan Reynolds is hoping for another electric atmosphere in Dalymount Park for tomorrow’s sold-out Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers.
Five weeks in charge, Reynolds is hoping for a response from his side following last week’s defeat away to Dundalk, but feels that they are better equipped to take on Rovers than they were in his first game in charge.
In March, three days into his tenure, Bohs gave as good as they got in the first half at Tallaght Stadium as the sides went in scoreless at the break.
But they were picked off in the second half, with Rovers cruising to a three-goal lead before Declan McDaid grabbed a goal in injury-time that was of little consolation.
Reynolds said: “We are all really looking forward to the game, and we well know the importance of Dublin derbies to everyone involved.
“I’ve been here five weeks now, so I’ve had time to see many players. I would like to think that we are fitter and better organised than we were when we last played Shamrock Rovers in my first game but we know it is going to be a very tough game.”
Reynolds is keen for supporters to play their part too, highlighting how his players thrived on the encouragement from the stands in their last home game, a 1-0 win over Drogheda United a fortnight ago.
He said: “I don’t think there will be much motivation needed from anyone, but we all have a part to play.
“The crowd was electric in our last home game. They were exceptional and the players spoke about it afterwards and how they fed off that energy.
“We hope for more of the same because it can really make a difference, but the players know that they have to do their bit too.”
Bohs come into this game after a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Dundalk last week, a loss that ended an encouraging three-game winning run.
So Reynolds knows his side will be up against it facing a resurgent Rovers side who have been steadily climbing up the table in recent weeks.
He added: “Before last week’s game, I felt we were getting the basics right. We were winning our duels, our individual battles.
“But that is something we didn’t do last Friday against Dundalk. We were disappointed with our performance, particularly in the first half.
“There was a bug in the team last week, which played a part as it affected three or four players. It affected us in terms of the changes we needed to make at half-time too. But thankfully, bar Danny Grant, it is gone from the group this week.
“We know that there will be a slightly different game plan against Shamrock Rovers this time compared to how we played them the last time. But we have prepared well.
“The lads were disappointed with themselves last week, particularly in the first half as I said, and I want to see a response from them.”
Team news
Danny Grant (bug) will sit this one out alongside long-term absentees Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall.
