“LAST WEEK WAS A BLIP”
July 3, 2015
LONGFORD TOWN v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, City Calling Stadium, Saturday 4th July, 7.30pm
Bohemians boss Keith Long is hoping his side can ‘regroup, re-energise, and get a result’ as they travel to the Midlands to face Longford Town this Saturday. The Gypsies suffered a disappointing home defeat to Drogheda United last time out, and the manager is hopeful they can bounce back quickly.
“It was a disappointing result – we were at home, and we’re expected to win. But hopefully we can bounce back with a result and performance against Longford. Last week was a blip and we need to get back to basics and do the things that have served us well in the games to date.
“Games against Drogheda and Longford are extremely important for us. We need to keep going and keep the pressure on the teams above us – and the only way we can do that is by winning football matches.”
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Tony Cousins’ side should pose a significant test for Long’s men, who ran out 2-0 winners when the teams met at Dalymount Park in April. “Going to Longford is not going to be easy. They’ve come up from the First Division with a very experienced squad of players,” said Long. “They’ve done extremely well so far this season, but they’ll equally be looking for a win having lost their last couple of games.”
With the four teams above the Gypsies in the table involved in European action over the next few weeks, Bohs have an opportunity to pick up points on the full-time sides above them. “It’s an opportunity to get points on the board, so let’s see how the league table looks after the weekend ,” said Long.
“It does help that we don’t have the distractions of Europe – and we’d like to be in that position this time next year. We’re ambitious, but we have to be realistic about our ambitions too.”
Despite their excellent start to the season, Long insists that his side are still taking it one game at a time. “You can’t look past the next game. If you do that, and get ahead of yourself, you can come unstuck. The second series of games is notoriously difficult – teams have a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and are therefore better prepared.”
Bohs hosted recently-promoted Scottish Premier League side Hearts in a friendly game on Wednesday night and Long was happy to give some returning players and young players game-time against quality opposition. “I thought it was a good exercise, and I thought we played very well,” said Long.
“It was good to get decent game time for some players and it was a good run out for some members of our Under 19 squad. They did themselves no harm in terms of their performance.”
Bohs will be without Dylan Hayes (back), while the Longford game will be too soon for Jason Byrne (calf), who only returned to training this week. Stephen Best suffered a gash on the head in the game against Hearts, but should be fit to be part of the squad in Longford. Derek Pender (achilles), Dan Byrne (knee) and Marc Griffin (cruciate) remain on the longer-term injury list.
