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All the latest club news and updates from Dalymount Park.

Bohs Triumph with 3-0 Victory Over Finn Harps in EA Sports MU17 LOI Academy League 2023

A double from defender Luke Nolan and a Victor Lace strike helped Bohemians secure a 3-0 victory against Finn Harps in the Oscar Traynor Centre on Saturday in the EA Sports MU17 LOI Academy League 2023.

Bohs dominated the early exchanges against a well-organised Finn Harps side with Reilly going close in the 8th minute with a powerful drive that went just wide.

As the first half progressed, Bohs continued to attack with Christopher Conlan and Victor Lace linking up well together to cause Finn Harps problems. Aaron Culleton impressed for Bohs passing the ball from midfield effectively.

Victor Lace came close to breaking the deadlock on the 30-minute mark with a long-range effort. Samuel Collins followed two minutes later with an attempt from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the target. Just before half-time, an excellent run and well-timed cutback by Christopher Conlan set up Victor Lace for a tidy finish to open the scoring for Bohemians.

Harps made a goalkeeper switch at half time and were unfortunate to lose their substitute goalkeeper Ronan Callaghan to a hand injury early in the second half, forcing an outfield player to step into goal for the remainder of the match.

Harps, to their credit, began to grow into the game and attack more but in the 58th minute Bohs’ full back Luke Nolan doubled Bohs’ lead with a nice finish. Nolan then added to his tally to make it 3-0 to Bohs in the 62nd minute, capitalising on another assist from the impressive Christopher Conlan.

Bohs then saw out the game well with substitute Joey Chad going close to making it 4-0 with an effort late in the game.

In the end, Bohemians emerged with a well-earned 3-0 victory against a competitive Finn Harps team. Next weekend, Bohs travel away to St. Patrick’s Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

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Preview: Drogheda United v Bohemians

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday September 22 2023, Weavers Park, 7.45pm
Tickets still available online on general sale

Declan Devine says Bohemians must knuckle down and refocus if they are to deliver a repeat victory away to Drogheda United tomorrow evening.

Bohs came out on the right side of last week’s Sports Direct FAI Men’s Cup quarter-final at Weavers Park and tomorrow face Drogs at the same venue in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

A goal from Krystian Nowak and a brace from Johnny Afolabi delivered a 3-1 win and the perfect present for Devine’s 50th birthday last Friday, but Devine had little time to celebrate as focus immediately turned to this week’s rematch.

Devine said: “I was happy last week with our performance but I wasn’t ecstatic as I thought we had opportunities to put the game to bed earlier than we did. I was also disappointed that we conceded just after half-time even though not in a million years did I think it was a penalty.

“The main purpose of last week was to get into the next round of the cup and that was achieved. We moved the ball in difficult conditions quite well, and created a number of great opportunities. But I am looking for us to be better this week in both boxes.

“We defended well, but felt we could have had the game controlled a wee bit better. There are definitely things we can learn from last week, and things we need to do better. That has to be the aim for us going there again.”

After dominating long periods of the first half, Bohs probably felt they should have had more to show for it than a 1-0 lead at the break, particularly when Ryan Brennan’s penalty levelled the game early in the second half.

But Bohs asserted themselves, and went after the game once more.

Devine said: “Our squad is key. Being able to make changes in the way we did, at the stages that we did, was very important. When we go into this period we are in now in terms of having back-to-back Friday/Monday games, we have to utilise our squad.

“We have to make sure that we have energy and quality coming off the bench at the right times.

“Over the course of the season, we have scored a lot of late goals, and the fact that when we went back to 1-1, that the players did not panic and did not worry is a sign of the team maturing.

“It showed experience and that they trusted themselves. They took their setback, sucked it up and they went after the game again, which was a defining moment in the game.

“There was a calmness about us in terms of going and getting the next goal. To get the goal reasonably quickly after Drogheda scored gave us confidence too.

“But we had to dig in, we had to defend. We faced a lot of set pieces and defended them really well, which was really pleasing as was getting three goals away from home.”

The challenge now is to do it all again against a side seeking revenge, but Devine knows there can be no let-up as his side, currently in fourth, looks to break into the top three and secure European qualification through the league.

Devine said: “We spoke on Saturday morning then about a refocus and their attitude, honesty and intensity all week has been outstanding.

“Every player and every member of staff knows the importance of the next game. We are at a stage of the season where every point and every three points is critical. We have got to go up to Drogheda again and give an even better performance than what we did last week.

“We still have a couple of gears that we can go up. We have to make sure now that we are relentless in our pursuit of points, wanting more and driving on between now and the end of the season.”

Devine also comes into this week’s game with the advantage of being reminded of what some of the club’s upcoming talent, and first-team players in need of game-time, have to offer after a crowd of 3093 at Dalymount Park on Monday night saw an experimental Bohs line-up beat Usher Celtic 5-0 to lift the Leinster Senior Cup.

Devine added: “It was a really positive night for us. When we went out for the warm-up and knew that there was going to be over 3000 there, that was sensational.

“It was invaluable that that bond between the fans and players was there for the younger lads playing in front of such a crowd for the first time.

“It was brilliant for Cian Byrne, who has come right through our academy, to be the captain of a team that lifts a trophy at Dalymount Park, irrelevant of what the tournament is because that doesn’t happen every day of your life.

“That is something he should take enormous pride and joy in. It reminds all our young players in the U19s that he was playing at that level last year, and shows that the pathway is open to them and that if you work hard, things can happen for you at our club.

“And I was delighted for Jake McCormack and Chris Lotefa to experience what it feels like to score in front of such a crowd.

“It was right that a good few of the U19s got to play and had an opportunity to perform in front of such a crowd because the U19s got us there with the performance away to Shelbourne in the semi-final.

“At this stage of the season, we also had to use the game for some players to get minutes. Bart Kukulowicz, Louie Holzman, Cian Byrne, Luke Dennison, Ali Coote – a lot of them needed to play, and they played well. Declan McDaid’s goal was a fantastic goal, and Kris Twardek did really well.

“Overall it was a great night. There is a great appetite from our fans to see us play in Dalymount and that is down to the levels of performances that the players are putting in when they play at Dalymount. We have been good at home this year. Our performance was very professional, scoring early and scoring late.”

 TEAM NEWS

Paddy Kirk (ankle) and Bart Kukulowicz (knee) are doubts while Dean Williams (ankle) made his long-awaited return off the bench on Monday.

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Bohs WU17s fall to late defeat against North Dublin rivals

The Bohemians WU17s made the short trip to a rainswept AUL for a North Dublin Derby against familiar foe, Shelbourne.

Bohemians came into the game in a strong vein of form going unbeaten in their previous four games climbing to fourth in the league. And the hosts, Shelbourne came into the game with a perfect record claiming twenty-four points from a possible twenty-four in the league.

The opening minutes of the game saw a tenacious Bohs side work to impose their presence on the game. The first chance fell to Bohs’ left-winger, Glennon, who after a great darting run fired a low-driven shot which was turned away by the Shels keeper.

A period of pressure from Bohemians saw Shelbourne forced to concede a series of corners – a corner delivered by Glennon saw cries of handball from the Bohs’ players which were waved away by the referee, Jack Keating.

Shelbourne began to grow into the game, controlling possession and attempting to pressure a resilient Bohs’ defensive line. Bohs’ duo Baird and Doyle did excellently to deal with intense pressure down the Bohs right-side.

Whilst Bohs remained under pressure, they were unafraid to press Shelbourne to force loose passes, and mistakes and pressure Shelbourne. Amy Ellis and Baird had success in delivering accurate passes to catch the Shelbourne defensive line off balance and creating chances for Bohs.

A dangerous Shels free-kick in the 35th minute forced a save from the Bohs #1, Ella Brennan, which was parried into a crowded box which was turned into the Bohs goal. However, the referee had already blown his whistle for offside which was met by a sigh of relief by the Bohs team.

An excellent run by Glennon, in the 43rd minute, saw her brought down resulting in a dangerous free-kick on the left-hand side of the Shels box. An excellent floated delivery by Rooney was flicked across the Shelbourne goal by the head of Glennon which landed at the feet of Amy Ellis who calmly dispatched the ball beyond the Shels keeper.

The last chance of the first half fell to Shelbourne, chasing a quick response. A cute through ball found Ella Brennan and the Shels striker in a foot race which the Bohs keeper did excellently to smother before the Shels striker could get a foot to the ball.

Shelbourne began the second half at a high intensity and flew out of the traps eager to find an equaliser. Shelbourne very nearly found themselves level after a well-worked corner forced Bohs to clear their lines.

Bohs found themselves under a period of immense pressure from Shelbourne set-pieces with Ella Brennan forced to make an excellent save to turn an excellent Shels header around her post.

Moments later, a long-diagonal Shels ball found the feet of the Shels #12 – whose flashed effort kissed the face of the Bohs crossbar. Bohs dealt well with the early Shels pressure and continued to press Shels and force mistakes.

They were rewarded for their efforts in the 60th minute when Bohs doubled their advantage. High pressure by Baker forced a loose Shels pass; which found the feet of Glennon who hit the ball first time with the ball slipping through the hands of the Shels keeper who was unable to get back to stop the ball from rolling over the line.

Although two down, Shelbourne began to control the game and create chances forcing a series of excellent saves from Brennan.

Shels earned a lifeline in the 75th minute when Savannah Keogh picked up a loose Bohs clearance before unleashing a low-driven strike on the edge of the box which Brennan could only get her fingertips to.

The final fifteen minutes were played at a frantic pace with both sides continuing to give their all.

The Bohs #10, Baker, doggedly won the ball on the edge of the Shels box before squaring the ball with the ensuing Bohs strike cleared off the goal line in a last-ditch Shels attempt.

A long-range Shels effort in the 80th minute looked destined for the back of the Bohs net but was met by a long diving hand of Brennan who managed to turn the ball over the bar.

A deep Shels free in the 90th minute was floated into the box and met by a powerful header which was thundered past a diving Bohs keeper and into the back of the net bringing the Drumcondra side level.

Shels clinched all three points in the 95th minute after a misplaced Bohs pass found the feet of Shels’ Ruby McCarthy, who rifled the ball into the net.

Jack Keating brought proceedings to an end at the AUL in a match which saw Bohs run out 3-2 losers in a tight, exciting affair.

 

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Preview: Drogheda United v Bohemians

Sports Direct FAI Men’s Cup quarter-final
Friday September 15 2023, Weavers Park, 7.45pm

Declan Devine has said that Bohemians need to grasp their opportunity and give everything of themselves to progress to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup.

Bohs make the short journey up the M1 tomorrow to face Drogheda United at Weavers Park, and will be backed by 650 travelling supporters.

Devine said: “The FAI Cup doesn’t suffer fools, so we have to be bang at it right from the very start. The players have been really looking forward to the game.

“Going to Drogheda is a tough place but we are going there concentrating on ourselves. We know their strengths having played them three times already but we also know our own strengths and we have concentrated on them all week.

“There is a big prize on offer for whoever wins the game, so having had two weeks since our last game, this is one that we have really prepared well for.

“At the start of the year, your goal is to get to the latter stages of the FAI Cup, and it doesn’t matter what the draw is, doing that will always be very difficult.

“Drogheda will fancy their chances and we will fancy our chances, but we have to make sure we perform to the levels we are capable of.

“This tie will be decided on the night, there are no second chances. We have got to make sure we grasp our opportunity, that we don’t have any regrets, and that we take care of our business.”

A fortnight has passed since Bohs’ bruising 3-0 defeat in the league away to rivals Shamrock Rovers. Devine was frustrated with the goals his side coughed up in Tallaght Stadium, but praised their application in their time together since.

He said: “It is never enjoyable when you have two weeks in training after a defeat but the training has been at a really high level and the players have shown a brilliant attitude.

“We were extremely disappointed with the goals that we gave away in Tallaght. We have to be a lot better than that. But what I also take out of it is that there were two stonewall penalties in the game that weren’t given. For me, the referee was right on top of it and I just couldn’t believe they weren’t given.

“In any league and in any game, scoring the first goal can be really important and just before they get their opener, James Clarke is brought down inside the box and it’s as stonewall a penalty as you will see.

“No press came to speak to me after the game, so I never got it off my chest at the time but that’s two penalties again in Tallaght not given, on the back of the previous one in our first game out there. It is unacceptable.

“Regardless of that, we know that we did not perform to the levels needed or that we are capable of. The goals we gave away were poor.

“To be fair to this group, they came back to training right at it and focused. Our levels have been very high, and everybody is chomping at the bit to play.”

In that time there has been recognition for two of Devine’s star men too.

First, Johnny Afolabi earned an Ireland call-up for the Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands on Sunday, and, today, James Clarke was named the SSE Airtricity Player of the Month for August; the third Bohs player to win the award this season after Ali Coote in March and Afolabi in July.

Devine said: “You can see from three of our players winning the Player of the Month Award this year that we have some outstanding players.

“Both Johnny and James deserve the kind of recognition that they have received. The two of them have been good all year but outstanding in recent months. They are two young guys but are playing with such a level of maturity, flare and aggression.

“Physically, they are both strong specimens and they have been impeccable in terms of their goals return and creativity. That is what you want. You want to go into these big games with those kinds of big players – players who can perform and that is what we have at the minute.”

Bohs go in tomorrow’s game with another packed-out away section; all 650 tickets were sold to members within 10 minutes of going on sale last Friday.

Devine added: “We have been the best supported club in the league by a country mile, it’s not even close. The effort our fans bring home and away on a weekly basis is incredible.

“They want us to be successful against Drogheda every bit as much as the players and staff. We all want to get through to the semi-finals.

“That is a massive carrot for everyone at the club. It is hugely important. Every single one of us – players, staff and fans – has to give everything of ourselves as by hook or by crook, we want to be in the next round.

“We have the utmost respect for Drogheda, but we are very determined in where we want this group and our club to be.”

TEAM NEWS

Paddy Kirk (ankle) is a doubt.

Dean Williams (ankle) is unlikely to be risked against Drogheda but is set to feature in Monday’s Leinster Senior Cup final against Usher Celtic.

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Bohemian AFC: Official Club History 1890-1976 by Tony Reid

My dad was many things – a husband, a father, the Bohemian programme editor and club historian, and Ireland’s leading soccer statistician, an accolade he richly deserved.

Armed with a vast arsenal of stats, he was the go-to person when anyone – especially the main football correspondents of the day – needed to know something or have something confirmed.

And he had all the answers, too. ‘Has anyone ever scored a faster hat-trick?’ ‘When did such-and-such a player/team last do this or that?’ ‘Did this or that ever happen before?’

Years of research in The National Library and Pearse Street Library meant that he had all the answers at his fingertips. In a pre-internet world, he was your Google search engine! And he was happy to share his knowledge, to impart all that he knew.

He also had an unbelievable command of the English language through his mastering of Latin root words. He developed his vocabulary this way. Knowing the Latin roots was the key to learning multiple words. It enriched his vocabulary, it enhanced his writing. But he never used a complicated word where a simple one would suffice.

He could also speak some Italian, had an interest in meteorology and progressed to the Leinster Senior League as a referee.

He was a lifelong fan of Manchester United and was at Wembley as a supporter when they won the European Cup final in 1968.

He was also insistent that he was from Wicklow, not Dublin! This was due to the fact that he was reared in Annamoe by his grandparents. At the time, Annamoe was believed to be the highest village in Ireland. At least that is what he claimed! He was proud of that fact.

Most of all, people loved him for his many puns and one-liners. He was engaging, gregarious and sharp-witted. He loved to research, to learn. But his biggest love of all was Bohemians.

Aged 42, he became a full-time journalist. Prior to that he had earned his living as a van driver. Football was his hobby before it became his job.

I will always remember my dad beavering away furiously at his typewriter, the levers of the keys caked in thick layers of cigarette ash. Chiefly in the service of Bohemians. For the love of the club.

He was only 52 when he died on 23 March 1988.

I am sure he would be thrilled to know that there is now a digital version of the official club history that he wrote all of those years ago. He would also be immensely proud that his work lives on for other generations of the club’s fans to read and enjoy.

And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, that one small head could carry all he knew.

Read ‘Bohemian AFC: Official Club History 1890-1976′ by Tony Reid (PDF)

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Danny McGrath joins Belgian side Lommel SK

Bohemian FC can confirm that Danny McGrath has joined Belgian side Lommel SK for an undisclosed fee.

Having joined from St Kevin’s Boys, the midfielder has progressed right through the Bohemians academy system, becoming a regular for the U19s, and winning the Enda McGuill Cup last year.

The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with Bohemians in January of this year, is also vice-captain of the Ireland U17s, and featured for the first team in the Leinster Senior Cup win against Shelbourne this season.

Speaking as he signed for Lommel SK today, McGrath said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to develop to my full potential.

“I am also very thankful to all the coaches at Bohs, St Kevin’s and Balbriggan FC who have helped me along the way so far.”

Bohemians Head of Academy Craig Sexton said: “We are extremely proud of Danny’s progress and development.

“Danny has had a really good upbringing in terms of his football and has already enjoyed personal success in his own right in terms of international recognition.

“He is another success story of the academy system, and is making a positive step forward in his career and hopefully in time we will see him progressing in senior football and have a fruitful career.

“He is going to balance his football with his education when he is in Belgium too, so he is going to finish his Leaving Cert, which is very important and a big positive.

“Everyone at the club, and all the coaches who have worked with him at St Kevin’s and at Bohs, wish him the very best with the move and with his future career.”

 

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Bohs MU15s and Galway United entertain at Oscar Traynor Centre

A warm Sunday afternoon was the backdrop at the Oscar Traynor Centre as the Bohemians MU15s welcomed Galway United to the capital for the seventh round of fixtures in the EA Sports MU15 LOI Academy league.

The opening 15 minutes saw an aggressive Galway attack seek to wear down and force mistakes against a resolute Bohs defence. Bohs remained patient and sought to hit Galway on the counter with Chuckwu and Idah being the key men in attempting to cause issues amongst the Galway backline.

The two wide-men were having success in drawing fouls from the Galway defence which helped create the best Bohs chance of the opening half an hour – a great delivery was met by the head of Bohs defender, Dunne, who forced a great save from the Galway keeper.

The second third began with the Bohs backline continuing to confidently deal with high Galway balls. A loose ball caused Bohs no.3 Josh Delves to catch an oncoming Galway player with an outstretched leg which saw the young man given his second yellow.

Galway with a man advantage sought to turn-the-screw on Bohs forcing an excellent save from the Bohs no.1 McDonnell who turned the ball around the post for a Galway corner. The ensuing Galway corner caused a goalmouth scramble before Cillian Tollett managed to put the Tribesmen ahead in the 35th minute.

A man-and-goal down, Karl Keogh’s side began to control the game and create chances in an attempt to level the game. The Gypsies’ attacking play was orchestrated through Coyle and Skoubo Keely in the midfield who were constantly looking to play attacking and forward passes.

The best Bohs chance of the 2nd 3rd was, again, created by Coyle after an excellent solo run before playing a slide-rule played into Schabowski who had his effort turned around the post for a corner.

The final third saw a Bohs side in hot-pursuit of an equaliser as they continued to pressure the Galway backline. Bohs were rewarded for their efforts in the 64th minute when the head of Christian Coyle met the brilliant delivery of Colgan to bring Bohs level.

The remaining 25 minutes turned into an excellent back-and-forth game with Bohs sides desperate to leave with all three points. A series of Galway corners were dealt with brilliantly and calmly by the Bohs goalkeeper who had commanded his box well all game.

However, Bohs were fortunate as one thundering Galway header crashed off the crossbar before being cleared by Bohs.

Bohs continued to press and an excellent tackle by Coyle in the middle of the pitch saw Bohs hit Galway on the counter; an excellent ball played between the Galway backline was squared to Idah who was unable to convert the chance as it drifted marginally wide.

Galway had the last chance of the game after an incisive break which found them in a 2v1 against McDonnell. Thankfully for Bohs, the Galway attacker was unable to convert the chance.

Soon after, the referee Jack Nolan blew for full-time at the Oscar Traynor Centre bringing an end to a back-and-forth game of football which showcased the resilience and determination of this Bohs team.

Bohemian’s U15s manager Karl Keogh reflected on the game: “As the head coach, I am very proud of the players for their performance today. Our performance was an excellent workout for our players.”

He explained that “the experience of playing over an hour with ten players in three different systems is invaluable to the group’s learning and development this season, as well as in the future.”

“Every game and every gameweek offers a learning opportunity, and today the players really rose to the challenge. Playing against any Galway team isn’t an easy game, and doing it with a man down”

Keogh said that he and Derek couldn’t be “prouder of how we approached this.”

“On Tuesday, we will continue to work hard and go again with all of the above in mind, proud that our lads left nothing behind today, and were unlucky not to come away with all 3 points. Credit to Galway today also, who caused us a lot of problems,” he concluded.

Chris Idah and Christian Coyle by Stephen Burke

ADEWALE JOINS SERIE A SIDE LECCE

B/dropcap]ohemian FC can confirm that Derwin Adewale has joined Serie A club Lecce for an undisclosed fee.

Having joined from St Kevin’s Boys, the left-back has progressed right through the Bohemians academy system, becoming a regular for the U19s, and winning the Enda McGuill Cup last year.

He made his first-team debut as a substitute against Sligo Rovers last November, and also started for the first team in Leinster Senior Cup wins against Crumlin United and Shelbourne this season.

Adewale said: “I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone at Bohemians – from all the staff to the players – for all the amazing memories and experiences I’ve had with you on and off the pitch, and for playing a huge role in my development both as a player and a person.

“The club has been like a second family to me, and I’ll always cherish the time we spent together. As I am moving on now, I’ll never forget the support and love you’ve shown me and I will have a special place in my heart for this club.

“I’d also like to thank all my coaches over the years, Trevor Croly and Carl Grehan, for the work they put in with me this season. Also a huge thank-you to Seán L’Estrange and Patrick Kavanagh and of course Craig Sexton for the faith and time they put into me. Once again, thank you for everything.”

Bohemians Head of Academy Craig Sexton said: “We are very proud of Derin making a move to a Serie A club.He has been at the club for a number of years now and has worked extremely hard, both on his football and his education.

“He is leaving on the back of a really good Leaving Cert too, and this is now a huge opportunity for him. We all wish him really well and the very best of luck. We hope to see him progress now and hope that he has a really fruitful career.

“He is another player who has come through our pathway and is another player who the club have helped in terms of a dual career of football and education, which we believe is really important in bringing the best players through and supporting them along the way.”

 

Derin Adewale

MU19s: Bohemians 3 Galway United 3

Bohemians and Galway United played to a 3-3 draw in a closely contested EA Sports U-19 League match at the Oscar Traynor Centre. The game, held on Wednesday evening, was an even encounter in which both teams created plenty of chances.

Bohs started the game on a positive note, absorbing Galway pressure and showing promise on the break. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Jake McCormack’s precise header found the back of the net from a corner, giving Bohs the lead.

As the first half progressed, Bohs began to assert themselves create more chances, with Sean McCarthy’s efforts at full back catching the eye. Chris Lotefa came close with a low drive, and a combination between Taylor Mooney and Lotefa forced a save from Galway goalkeeper McDonagh. Just before half-time, Sean McMahon’s header hit the underside of the bar, denying Bohs a second goal.

The second half saw Bohs maintain their positive approach. Mooney’s effort off the post came close to extending the lead, setting the stage for Nickson Okosun’s brilliant finish in the 56th minute. A well-orchestrated play involving Finn Cowper Gray and a chipped pass from Billy Gilmore allowed Okosun to calmly find the net, doubling Bohs’ advantage.

Galway United found their footing, benefiting from a fortuitous bounce that led to Smyth’s goal, reducing the deficit. Galvanized by the goal, Galway equalized in the 75th minute, creating a tense finale. Their persistence paid off as they took the lead late in the game through a well-placed finish after Bohs’ goalkeeper Joseph Collins initially made a fine save.

Despite the setback, Bohs showcased their resilience. Adetobi Jinadu’s efforts earned a corner, which Mooney converted into an equaliser in the dying moments of the game. The final score stood at 3-3, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the encounter.

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Preview: Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday September 1 2023, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45pm
Live on Virgin Media 2

Declan Devine says Bohemians come into tomorrow’s Dublin Derby away to Shamrock Rovers with confidence and self-belief.

Bohs lost the first two games against their rivals this season but battled from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 the last time the sides met, and Devine is aiming to go one better in Tallaght tomorrow.

He said: “There has been very little between the sides in the games we have played so far. In the first game we played against them at home, we were very good in the opening period, the game in Tallaght was decided by a decision that should have gone our way, and it was pleasing that we came from behind in the last game.

“But this is a brand new game. We are coming into it in fantastic form. We come into it with a lot of confidence and self-belief.

“We also know that they have been champions for the past three seasons for a reason. If we want to close that gap, and finish this season strongly, then this is a pivotal game for us.

“We need to match the performances that we have put on of late. We are away from home but we have won away from home in Inchicore and in the Brandywell this season, so we want to get maximum points in Tallaght too.

“We have spoken all week about how we will have to be at our very, very best. The one thing I will give this group of players is that they never give in and they never stop. That is what is going to be required in Tallaght.

“We are going to have to give everything for the duration of the game. I feel that our squad will again be crucial as I think it will be a game where we will have to use 14 or 15 players to participate.

“We are looking forward to the game. It hasn’t been over-hyped and we have prepared in the same way as we have for our last seven or eight games, which thankfully have gone well for us.”

Bohs come into the game unbeaten in eight – six in the league and two in the FAI Cup – which Devine hopes will stand to his side against Rovers, who are chasing their fourth league title in a row, as he looks to send supporters home happy.

He said: “It is pleasing that we have had the experience of the last few weeks of playing two really high level games of St Pat’s in Inchicore and Derry in Dalymount.

“Now we go to Tallaght again in front of the cameras. We have been fortunate that our players have played in front of big crowds all year, so that shouldn’t frighten us. We have also been involved in a lot of TV games this year, so that shouldn’t frighten us either.

“Our fans this year have travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to support and back us. The noise levels that they have generated, and the togetherness that we feel between the squad and the fans, is something that we should continue to try and build.

“It doesn’t matter if we are going to Tallaght or Dalymount, I want the fans to get right behind the team in both good moments and difficult moments, and for that to support to translate onto the pitch. If we continue to do that, the sky’s the limit for this group.”

Devine believes the competition for places within the group has been key to recent form, pointing to the example of James Clarke, who had to bide his time earlier in the season, but has been a star performer in recent weeks, scoring in three of Bohs’ four games this month.

Devine added: “At this moment in time, it is extremely difficult to be in my shoes trying to pick a starting XI. There are players there like James McManus, James Akintunde, Kris Twardek, Declan McDaid, Ali Coote, Bart Kukulowicz – players who probably feel they should be starting. But the competition for places is immense.

“Earlier in the season, for example, James Clarke was coming on and playing roles towards the latter stages of the game. But he is at a peak now where he is absolutely thriving at the minute.

“He is only 22 years of age and is getting better every week. His application to his football is second to none. He is not only a goalscoring threat from midfield, but his passing and penetration have been at the highest level.

“Long may it continue with James as I think we are only scratching the surface with him. He has only been at the club a year and I think over the next year or two, he can really develop into a top level player. The potential that the boy has is incredible.

“Just to see him playing with a smile on his face, and the energy he brings, is a joy. He has physically developed over the last six or seven months. He has got a fantastic understanding, not just with Jonathan Afolabi, but with his fellow midfield players behind him.

“But he has to be on top of his game because we have so many players competing for positions. That is something that is keeping everyone on his toes.

“With James, any time we have asked him to do something or give him a task, he has done it. He has had setbacks this year where he hasn’t been in the team but he never threw the towel in, never moped about, and never huffed and puffed.

“He kept working hard, kept his head down, made impacts coming off the bench, and finally really established himself. That is testament to his mentality, his determination, and to how much he loves playing for Bohs.

“With players like James Clarke, James McManus and Jonathan Afolabi, our age profile is good – there is a lot of growth and development from this young squad to come. And those kinds of players epitomise the potential we have to move the place forward in the coming years.”

TEAM NEWS

Bohemians have a full squad to choose from.

  • Tomorrow’s game is being shown live on Virgin Media 2. The Members Bar at Dalymount Park is open for the game, with all pints €5.
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