A CHANCE FOR PLAYERS TO ‘STEP UP’
August 14, 2014
BOHEMIANS v DROGHEDA UTD
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 15th August, 7.45pm
Bohemians are looking to break a winless and goal-less streak of three games when they welcome a rejuvenated Drogheda United to Dalymount Park on Friday night, writes KEVIN FAGAN.
The Boynesiders have been revitalised by the appointment of League of Ireland veteran Damien Richardson, and Bohs boss Owen Heary is expecting a stern test. “I expect a tough, physical game,” he said. “But I’m sure that we can respond after a good performance last week and try get the win.”
Drogs have frustrated the Gypsies this season. In March, Bohs squandered a two-goal lead and conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 in Dalymount. In May, Heary’s side conceded against the run of play for an unlucky 1-0 defeat at Hunky Dorys Park.
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Heary said: “We dominated the game up there in May, had loads of chances, but they got the goal. Obviously with Eoin Wearen and Anto Murphy out, other players have a chance to step up and fight for a place in the team.”
After doing all-but score against UCD last Friday, Heary believes the team just need a bit of luck as they strive for a second home league win of the season. “We played very well, but just didn’t take our chances. The longer the game went on, the more frustrated we got in front of goal.
“These things happen in games – the positive thing is we kept a clean sheet – but we were still disappointed that we didn’t take our chances and win the game comfortably. ”
The Bohs manager is hoping his side can find confidence in front of goal after a difficult period in which his side drew blanks against Derry (0-4), Shamrock Rovers (0-2), and the Students (0-0).
“We’ll keep plugging away. We’ve proved earlier in the season that we can score goals. The good thing is that we are creating chances (as against UCD), so hopefully we can take a few and come away with the three points on Friday.”
Despite the difficult run, Heary has been pleased with the support from the fans, who have been extremely positive throughout the season. “The fans have been great. Although it’s a totally different atmosphere (away to UCD), they saw we were dominating the game and I think they were happy that we were just unfortunate in front of goal and that was it.”
Bohs will have to plan without in-form midfielder Eoin Wearen, who is suspended after picking up four yellow cards. Also unavailable is Anto Murphy, who dislocated his ankle against UCD. Heary is hopeful that a scan today (Thursday) will reveal no ligament damage, and clear Anto to return in six weeks.
Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com
