Bohemians will tonight look to bounce back from last week’s defeat away to Dundalk and instead bring the same energy and composure displayed in their previous game against Derry City a fortnight ago when Sligo Rovers provide the opposition at Dalymount Park.

Bohs drew 1-1 with the then league leaders on that occasion but despite a good first-half performance and a half-time lead against the Lilywhites last week, their good work was undone with a disappointing second-half display that culminated in a 3-1 defeat.

Manager Keith Long said: “It has been a few weeks since our last game in Dalymount. Our victory over UCD was followed up with a really good away point and team performance in Derry.

“It was probably our most complete performance of the season and we felt more than a little aggrieved not to come away with all three points but pleased with the performance levels from the players who worked extremely hard, managed the game well and caused Derry problems on the counter attack creating several goal scoring opportunities.

“Frustratingly we then underperformed in Oriel park last Friday.

“Our performance was flat and lacked energy. We didn’t win our duels and simply did not function as a team despite taking a first half lead and going in ahead at the break.

“We conceded some poor goals in the second half and we were well beaten in the end, which was extremely disappointing.”

One of Bohs’ previous most notable performances this season was against tonight’s opponents when a notably vocal travelling support helped Long’s side on to victory in a midweek fixture at the Showgrounds last month.

Long added: “We have an opportunity now to try and make amends.

“Sligo are a good side and will provide tough opposition as they always do but we are at home and we want to make home advantage work for us.

“We are incredibly lucky to be supported by a brilliant fanbase who we know will get behind us tonight.

“That support be it here in Dalymount, away in Oriel Park or up the Brandywell is never taken for granted.

“We want to represent them well on the pitch and we hope we can send them home happy with a performance to be proud of.”

TEAM NEWS

James Finnerty (head) is set to return but Liam Burt (groin) faces a late fitness test.

Stephen Mallon (ankle) remains out as does Grant Horton who will undergo knee surgery next week.

Bohemians put in one of their best performances of the season in last week’s draw away to league leaders Derry City.

Now they want to follow it up in what is another tough away game away to Dundalk in Oriel Park this evening.

Three points separate the sides tonight with Dundalk in fourth on 22 and Bohs in sixth on 19.

Bohs will take confidence going into the game after impressing on Foyleside last week.

Promise Omochere’s fifth goal of the season gave Bohs the lead on 15 minutes but a shocking decision to award Derry City levelled up the game, and that is how it finished.

It is a measure of Bohs’ performance and the chances that they created that they came away from one of the most difficult grounds in the league to get a result disappointed that they were not travelling home with all three points.

Liam Burt, who set up Omochere’s goal, said: “It felt like two points dropped. We always try to go up there and win.

“To go up there and perform as well as we did. We were disappointed with the penalty decision but we could have gone on to win it – we had the better chances in the last 10/15 minutes so we were disappointed.”

Having missed the opening three games of the season through injury, coming off the bench as a substitute in the next three, Burt has really found his groove since, starting eight games in succession where he has helped himself to three goals and three assists.

He said: “The first few games when I was coming in for 15 minutes of so, I was just finding my feet a bit.

“In the last number of games I have felt a lot more like myself. I am getting back to what I used to be. Hopefully I can continue that.”

He hopes that will be the case this evening when Keith Long’s men face Stephen O’Donnell’s Lilywhites.

Burt added: “We had a really good week of training last week and I think that showed in our performance against Derry.

“The full week leading up to a game gives us a good run of training, analysis and workouts.

“Dundalk are in great form. It will be a tough ask to go up there to get a result but we are going up there positive.

“We have a lot of things going for us. We had a good win last week so we want to continue that.”

TEAM NEWS

Jordan Flores (illness) returns to the squad against his former club having been a late withdrawal last week, while Rory Feely (ankle) is making good progress and could also be in line to return.

Grant Horton (knee) remains a doubt, James Finnerty is out after taking a blow to the head in training, while Stephen Mallon (ankle) remains out.

Following media reports this morning, Bohemian Football Club would like to clarify the current position in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Dalymount Park, a project which has been progressing since the acquisition of the site in 2015 by Dublin City Council.

There has been no change in the preferred and planned redevelopment of the stadium into a 6,000-seater facility with ancillary community facilities.

Following funding from both the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) and DCC, the design team, which was appointed in 2021, led by Idom with support by Gilroy and McMahon, has been undertaking works on multiple fronts in preparation for redevelopment.

Indeed, there is currently a contractor on site this week conducting complex ground investigations.

In 2021, thanks to DCC, the physical infrastructure of the stadium changed for the first time in decades with the removal of the roof of Des Kelly Stand, which facilitated the stand’s continued usage.

The tender for the demolition of the Connaught Street Stand, which has been out of use for over a decade, is currently live, and that major structure is due for removal before the end of this year.

All this necessary, costly and detailed work, both physical and otherwise, will feed into the preliminary design, which is due imminently.

This will then feed into the final design to progress to Part 8 Planning subject to cost.

The Board of Bohemian FC has always been aware, as with any project funded by public monies, that should costs escalate to an unsustainable level that there would need to be alternative options on the historic site.

These options could potentially involve redesign and would utilise all studies and works already undertaken and stay within the funding mechanism of LSSIF and DCC as combined sources.

Such a redesign could also deliver a higher capacity facility without the need for a long period out of Dalymount Park where we have played continuously since 1901.

Keith Long wants a quick response from his side when they host UCD at Dalymount Park tonight as Bohemians look to move up a congested league table.

They face the league’s bottom side, but a team they struggled to break down the last time they met six weeks ago when the spoils were shared after a 1-1 draw in Belfield.

Bohs come into the game licking their wounds after a 3-1 defeat to champions Shamrock Rovers last week at the same venue.

Bohs found themselves 2-0 down at the break after a disappointing first-half showing, but battled hard to get back into the game when Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe scored on 69 minutes only for Rovers to reinstate their two-goal advantage a minute later.

Long said: “It is important that we react in the right manner after last week’s defeat to Rovers and to try and bounce back quickly tonight against UCD.

“We know we are a little bit short of where we would like to be at this point in the season but we also know things can change quickly.

“We also know that you don’t get anything for free in this league and you have to earn every point that you get.

“UCD are always dangerous opponents and caused us massive problems in our last game in the UCD Bowl.

“They have good young players and can hurt you if your performance levels are not right.

“From our perspective, we know we have to perform better and perform consistently better. The players are working extremely hard in training and in the analysis room to improve performances.

“To their credit, the lads have always accepted responsibility and are determined to put things right.

“We need to remain positive, our season is very much alive and I believe we can put a good run together and climb the table.”

With another big Bohs crowd expected in both the Jodi Stand and Des Kelly Stand tonight, Long is hoping the home support can give his side a big lift.

He added: “The support last week in difficult circumstances was terrific. Tonight is another Dublin Derby, there are three points on offer as there was last week.

“These are the games that our season will be defined on and in that respect your support is vital for the players.

“I absolutely accept we have a responsibility to get you on the edge of your seat watching the team play and at times this year that has been difficult.

“We need your support, it genuinely can be the difference. Hopefully we can repay the faith you have shown in the team with a strong performance and committed team display.”

TEAM NEWS

Rory Feely (ankle) and James Finnerty (knee) are out while Stephen Mallon (ankle), Conor Levingstson (hamstring) and Grant Horton (knee) are doubts.

SSE Airtricity League
Friday April 22 2022
Dalymount Park, 745pm

Bohemians manager Keith Long has challenged his side to perform to their optimum in the Dublin Derby tonight and to retain courage and belief against their rivals.

Bohs put aside their frustration of conceding late goals in three of their previous four games to beat Shelbourne with a convincing 4-1 win at Tolka Park on Easter Monday.

But they face a far greater challenge when champions Shamrock Rovers come to Dalymount Park tonight.

Second-placed Rovers reduced the gap on league leaders from six points to one over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Bohs are currently in sixth but looking for results to go their way to move up the table with third spot within touching distance, just two points away.

Long said: “It has been a challenging time on the field of play for us but it was pleasing to bounce back from the disappointment of last Friday against Finn Harps with a good team performance on Monday against Shelbourne.

“Shelbourne are difficult opponents and to come away from Tolka Park with an emphatic win was great testament to the players.

“It was not a perfect performance but nonetheless the players reacted in a positive fashion scoring some good goals which we hope will give us confidence ahead going into tonight’s game.”

Not a whole lot separated Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers when they met at Tallaght Stadium last month.

But as Bohs struggled to created chances, Rory Gaffney’s first-half goal was enough to win it for Rovers.

And now Long is looking to bring that attacking threat and determination seen at Tolka Park on Monday into this evening’s game.

He said: “Our focus and efforts had to shift quickly to playing Shamrock Rovers as we know this represents a massive challenge against the current league champions.

“Rovers are in great form and have quality players and a depth of squad unrivalled in this league.

“We will have to perform at our optimum tonight and that’s a fantastic challenge for us.

“It’s essential we show great courage to retain belief.”

TEAM NEWS

James Finnerty (knee) is making progress but still a number of weeks away from full fitness, while Stephen Mallon (ankle) is likely to sit this one out too.

Meanwhile, loanee JJ McKiernan has returned to Watford, with Long adding: “JJ was frustrated with lack of game-time. We would like to thank JJ for his efforts during his short time at the club and wish him every success for the future.”

SHELBOURNE v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League
Monday April 18 2022
Tolka Park, 3pm

Keith Long wants Bohemians to turn frustration into motivation when they make the short trip to Tolka Park this afternoon.

In three of their last four games, Bohs have conceded late goals to lose points.

The good news is that they remain just three points off third, but conceding those three late goals in their last four games have cost them five points.

That has frustrated Long and his players, but they are happy that a quick turnaround gives them an opportunity to bounce back quickly today.

Against Finn Harps on Friday night, Bohs conceded in the 93rd minute for a 2-2 draw having bossed the game for the majority of the second half with plenty of chances to put the game beyond doubt.

Long said: “We have been incredibly frustrated at the manner of dropping valuable points late in games.

“Friday wasn’t a defeat but it felt like one and we got punished for not being ruthless enough in front of goal and conceding a late equaliser, which was preventable.

“Draws are of no real benefit to anyone. We want wins and we need to start turning draws into victories.

“Playing so soon after Friday is a good opportunity to try and bounce back.”

This afternoon they face a side who are buoyed by the fact they were the first team to inflict a defeat on league leaders Derry City this season.

Long said: “It’s a Dublin derby and a sellout where we will have a large travelling support behind us once more.

“We are looking forward to the challenge, Shelbourne are a young, hungry, energetic and well-organised team and will be confident after their win up in Derry.”

TEAM NEWS

James Finnerty (knee) remains out while Grant Horton (knee) remains a doubt.

SSE AIRTRICITY WOMEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE
Saturday April 16 2022
Dalymount Park, 6pm

In what has been an exciting week for women’s football in Ireland, Bohemians manager Pat Trehy hopes supporters will get behind his side in Dalymount Park this evening when they host DLR Waves at 6pm.

The Ireland senior international team secured a fantastic 1-1 draw away to Sweden to put them in the contention to reach a play-off for the 2023 World Cup.

That result has added to the buzz and momentum around the direction of women’s football.

Trehy said: “It was a brilliant result against a top, top side.

“It shows that women’s football in this country is heading in the right direction.

“Performances and results give players and teams here something to aspire to.

“They all want to emulate that and we want to emulate that here at Bohs. We want to see our players go and play for their country.”

But before they start targeting international recognition, Bohs’ players will be looking to improve their form domestically, and are hoping for some vocal support at Dalymount this evening behind them.

Trehy said: “We’re looking for support for the girls this evening.

“They’re loving playing in Dalymount with all the young fans behind them this season. It really makes a difference.

“We had a disappointing result down in Cork last time out so it’s important that we try and make the most out of playing at home so we can get back on track and try to build a bit of momentum.

“We went into that Cork game thinking it was a game we could get some points from so we were disappointed with the defeat.”

That game was also cause for some concern as defender Katie Burdis was down injured for several minutes before the end of the first half before being carried off on a stretcher.

Thankfully, though, the injury is not as bad as first feared although she will remain on the sidelines for now.

Trehy said: “It was an impact injury to her knee and thankfully it wasn’t as bad as we thought it might be.

“We hope to have her back as soon as possible as she is an important player for us.”

In Burdis’ absence this evening, her team-mates will have to be at their best against one of the league’s more established set-ups.

Trehy added: “Waves are a good side. They are extremely well organised and in Graham Kelly they have a very experienced manager.

“We are going to have to give it absolutely everything this evening to get a result from the game, so that is why it is so important that we have support behind us from the off.”

• A reminder that members, season ticket holders and U12s can attend home WNL games for free, while it is just €5 for general admission.
• Please also note that Members’ Bar is open and that all drinks purchased can be consumed in the stand once in plastic glasses.
• WNL games are also streamed free on LOITV.

SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE
Friday April 15 2022
Dalymount Park, 7.45pm

Bohemians start the second series of games still looking to find the consistency that can propel them up the table.

With a quarter of the league season gone, Derry City are currently the runaway leaders, enjoying a six-point lead over nearest challengers Shamrock Rovers.

But the chasing pack is somewhat more congested.

Bohemians currently sit in sixth place after an indifferent start but there is just three points between them and third spot.

That makes the small margins of conceding late goals to Derry City and Drogheda United in recent games, costing one point and two points respectively, all the more frustrating for manager Keith Long.

Now he wants his team to put a run of results together that can see them looking up the table rather than looking over their shoulders.

Long said: “We now enter the second phase of games and I believe every team with the exception of Derry are looking for a greater level of consistency in terms of results and performances.

“The table is taking shape somewhat but teams that can put a run of games together will climb the table very quickly.

“We are only concerned with ourselves, however, and generating an increased level of performance every week, which will see us move in the right direction.

“Good teams find a way to win and also find a way not to lose when games are in the balance.

“We must do better on both fronts in this phase of games and for the remainder of our campaign.

“I don’t believe we are a million miles off and there have been many positives in recent displays without us necessarily hitting the performance levels I believe we are capable of.

“There have been some good signs but we need to produce them over a prolonged period of time and not in moments.”

Tonight at Dalymount Park they host Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps – a side they have found difficult to break down at times in the past.

Long said: “We face a good Finn Harps team who will also be looking to improve in this series of games.

“I suspect Harps will feel their points tally so far this season does not reflect some of their performances and as always they are very dangerous opponents.

“We will need to focus on producing our best performance and as always our supporters have a pivotal role to play in that.”

It will by some distance be the biggest home support at Dalymount this year with Bohs fans able to purchase tickets for the Des Kelly Stand for the first time this season. That allocation sold out this morning.

Long added: “Dalymount in full voice is an intimidating place to play and it is all of our responsibility to make it an uncomfortable place for visiting teams, so we hope the fans get behind the team from the off again.”

TEAM NEWS

James Finnerty (knee) remains out while Grant Horton (knee) and Stephen Mallon (ankle) are doubts.

SSE Airtricity League
Friday April 8 2022
Head In The Game Park, 7.45pm

Bohemians showed what they are capable of with a resilient team display in their victory out west away to Sligo Rovers on Tuesday night.

Now manager Keith Long has challenged his side to match those performance levels when they travel north to face Drogheda United this evening.

A brilliant run by Promise Omochere from inside his own half resulted in Liam Burt scoring the only goal of the game with a well-executed finish.

But that classy move was backed up by a resilient and determined defensive performance throughout, while Long’s side might have been disappointed not to have scored more having created chances to do so.

Long said: “Keeping clean sheets gives you a platform to win games and that is what we needed on Tuesday.

“We could have won by more – we had some great chances and their keeper did well against us in one v one situations too.

“But it was a resilient team performance, particularly in the second half.

“They showed great character and played really, really well in difficult conditions and on what is currently a difficult pitch to play on.

“The challenge now is that we have to follow that up with another good display but that performance will lift everyone’s confidence – they have shown themselves what they are capable of.”

They now face another away game in quick succession as Kevin Doherty’s Drogs provide the opposition at Head in the Game Park.

Long said: “It is another quick turnaround, Drogheda are very tough opponents and it is always a difficult place to go.

“They don’t give teams an inch on what is a tight pitch.

“But we are determined to continue where we left off on Tuesday night and the team are looking forward to trying to build on that performance.”

After an indifferent run of form in previous weeks, Long’s side were helped over the line at the Showgrounds by a big and vocal travelling support, who were noticeably audible from start to finish to those unable to travel who were watching the game on LOITV.

Long is hoping for more of the same tonight, adding: “We had brilliant travelling numbers behind us from the first whistle, which was especially appreciated by the players given Tuesday is a difficult time for people to travel to away games.

“That support is never taken for granted – those who travelled showed great commitment to the team and the players want to repay that faith.

“We know our allocation for Drogheda is sold out, so such a large travelling support will again give the players a big boost.”

TEAM NEWS

James Finnerty (knee), Stephen Mallon (ankle) and Ryan Cassidy (ankle) remain doubts, as is Rory Feely, who was forced off after just ten minutes on Tuesday.

SSE Airtricity League
Tuesday April 5 2022
The Showgrounds, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV

Keith Long has challenged his Bohemians side to sustain the performance levels he believes they are capable of right until the final whistle tonight when they travel to take on Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

On Friday night, Bohs’ first-half performance saw them deliver some of their best attacking football of the season when they hosted league leaders Derry City at Dalymount Park.

They bossed much of the first half, with Liam Burt giving them the lead on 25 minutes after some brilliant team play in the build-up.

But they were left cursing themselves that they went in at the break having failed to add to that goal when they had chances to extend their advantage.

Failure to convert those opportunities cost them in the second half when individual errors came back to haunt Bohs once more as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, with the visitors scoring in the 93rd minute.

It was a cruel way to lose a game, but Long said his side must dust themselves down, refocus, and recreate that first-half performance – except this time right until the full-time whistle blows.

Long said: “We need to repeat the first-half performance we had against Derry City over the entire 90 minutes.

“We were pleasing to watch in that first half. We showed what we are capable of and we made Derry, who are a really good side, look ordinary at times.

“We should have gone in at half-time further ahead but we then struggled in the second half.

“In the second half we didn’t keep the ball enough, retain possession enough, build attacks enough, and ultimately basic errors cost us the game.

“We weren’t a million miles off against a really good side – whoever finishes ahead of Derry City will win the league – but we know we have to deliver a consistent performance for the whole 90 minutes and cut out mistakes for results to improve.

“We work very hard to get ahead in games but it has been too easy for the opposition to get goals against us.

“But we are confident and determined in our ability to turn it around.”

TEAM NEWS

Jordan Doherty (illness), Stephen Mallon (ankle) and Ryan Cassidy (ankle) remain doubts.

James Mullins (ankle) is available once more, while Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe got his first runout for the club as a second half substitute on Friday following ankle and Achilles injuries.

This game will come too soon for James Finnerty (knee), who returned to training this week.