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.

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)

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Bohemian FC is delighted to have received major multi-year funding for our Pride on the Pitch project, providing an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ young people to play football, access mental health resources, and challenge discrimination in the football community.

The programme, funded by Rethink Ireland, aims to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 15 to 24, using football to enhance mental well-being and social connections.

‘Pride on the Pitch’ offers football training sessions led by trained coaches for 20 weeks annually. The focus is not only on physical activity but also on fostering a safe environment for participants to connect with peers who share similar experiences.

Recognising the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the initiative provides access to counselling services and support from a dedicated Mental Health Support Coordinator. This confidential assistance can be accessed both in person and remotely.

The programme also gathers data to refine its approach and develop a toolkit for broader adoption. By challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, ‘Pride on the Pitch’ aims to create a more accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community in football.

In partnership with ShoutOut, Bohemian FC has organised workshops for academy coaches, enhancing inclusivity understanding. The club’s history of positive change, including participation in Dublin Pride, underscores its commitment to progress.

With support from Rethink Ireland, the Zurich Foundation, and the HSE, Bohemian FC is driving positive societal change through Pride on the Pitch, using football to foster acceptance and unity.

Bohemian FC Football Social Responsibility (FSR) Manager James Flanagan said: “We are delighted to announce we are an awardee of the Rethink Ireland Headstart Fund.

“Our programme, Pride on the Pitch, aims to create an environment for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and succeed in participating in football and feeling more inclusive in their local community by sharing experiences with their peers.

“We are really looking forward to working with our Pride Committee and our partners ShoutOut on this programme and at the end deliver a toolkit nationally which can be shared for best practices in all codes and continue to leave legacy of what GayBohs started in 2016.”

Jim McElroy, from the Bohs Pride Committee, said: “The Bohs Pride Committee is delighted that Rethink Ireland has awarded funding over three years to the forthcoming Pride on the Pitch programme by Bohs FC.

“Football can be an unwelcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community and we know that many young LGBTQ+ people don’t access football or fall out of love with it over time.

“As well as addressing this issue of queer participation in football, and in sport more generally, Pride on the Pitch has the potential to be a good-practice template for other clubs and organisations to use in the future, and that’s something that we’re very excited about.”

Everybody at Dalymount Park and all within the Bohemian family wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and many friends of Joe Carr, a decades-long volunteer with our club, following his sad passing.

Stephen Burke writes:

Gentleman Joe.

Perhaps that’s where we should leave it, because that was our Joe, an absolute gentleman.

“The nicest man you could ever meet…” people only said that because it was true.

Jimmy O’Connor’s right-hand, whether it was the club’s Lotto and Football Forecast, the Half-Time Raffle, the Christmas Draw, and more. Result sheets, coupons, addressing envelopes, checking, counting, all the ‘glamorous’ behind-the-scenes work, it didn’t matter, Joe would be there, supporting, happy to help out.

A chat with Joe about Bohs, a bit of football history, his latest travels perhaps, whatever the topic, you were always the better after the conversation.

Friendly and cheerful, dependable, selfless, Joe’s list of good qualities was endless, and we hoped and prayed he was too.
But this sad day was coming. The loss of his programme collection due to a freak accident was a particularly hard blow, and the last year or two were tough ones for our dear friend.

We’ll miss him, oh how we’ll miss him, but we will remember him and smile every time we do at our good fortune of ever being in his company.

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday August 25 2023, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV

Declan Devine says Bohemians’ recent form has earned his players the right to dine at the top table and he believes there is a real determination within the group that they want more.

Tomorrow, fourth-placed Bohs host third-placed Derry City at Dalymount Park.

The sides are level on 46 points, one off second-placed St Pat’s and five off league leaders Shamrock Rovers, but with the Candystripes ahead on goal difference and with a game in hand.

Bohs come into this game on the back of a professional 6-0 win, played in attrocious conditions, against Munster Senior League side Rockmount at Dalymount last week, which set up an FAI Cup quarter-final date away to Drogheda United next month.

The visitors, on the other hand, come into the game after two cruel penalty shootout defeats – first in the UEFA Conference League against Kazakh side Tobol Kostanay and then against St Pat’s in the FAI Cup.

Devine is aware of the threat that such a talented side who are hurting can pose, but says his focus in the run-up to this game has been all on Bohs.

He said: “Derry have had a tough week. They will have been extremely disappointed going out of two competitions in a week. They will be hurting, and we know what they are capable of. But at the same time, our focus is on us. We have to take care of our side of things.

“For us, it has been a real positive week in training in terms of our intensity and our quality. The players are fresh. We were able to rest a couple against Rockmount last week, which is important.

“Our recent form has earned our players the right to eat at the top table.

“We come into this game in really good form. We have five wins and two draws out of our last seven games, have scored 17 goals in our last six, 12 in our last four, and four clean sheets in our last five.

“So we are playing well, but we know that we are going to have to be at our very best when Derry come to Dalymount. Recent performances have given us the opportunity to go into the game with confidence and belief.

“Their performances over the course of the season have been at a very high level. Yes, we had a dip during the season but every other club has done the same at some point.

“You are only as good as your last game but our players have a tremendous belief and unity, and an understanding of the way we want to play. It is a very tight league this season, so with every performance, we have got to make sure we go for it.

“The way we have trained this week has probably been the highest level I’ve seen since I came to the club. The way they have trained this week sums the group up.

“They know that we have done well up to now, but I can feel it within this group that they want more. They want to have more unbelievable nights in Dalymount Park.

“Some of the atmospheres we have come off the pitch to, and the effort that the players have given the club, and the feeling of giving that effort and the praise they get from supporters afterwards – they are thriving off all of that and it is something they all want more of.

“They want to go out and spill blood, energy and commitment, and they want to maintain that relationship with the fans.

“Over the course of the last 10 games of this season, we want to build on that, and create memories that will last people a long time.

“But to do that, we have to realise that this is just another match, another game, and not think beyond that.

“A big rival is coming into our backyard, and we have to make sure we are at our very, very best and play with quality and energy right throughout the course of the game.”

There has been very little between Bohs and Devine’s former club this season. Bohs won 1-0 in the Brandywell in April, Derry did likewise at Dalymount in May, and the sides played out a 0-0 draw when they met on Foyleside in June.

Devine said: “We have played Derry three times, we’ve scored once past them, they’ve scored once past us and we both have four points from the three games.

“The turning point in the one game we have lost to them this season was going a man down after 14 minutes against them when we played them in Dalymount.

“No matter who you play, when you go down to 10 men so early, and concede so soon afterwards, it is going to be difficult. In saying that, we took the game to them despite being a man down.

“But this is a completely different ball game now at the business end of the season. This is the last phase of games when the prizes are at stake, and we cannot look past trying to get three points in this game.

“Whoever we play at Dalymount Park, we want to win. But to do that against Derry City, one of the top teams in the country, we know that we are going to have to go up the gears.

“We have to start the game really positively. But what we have been doing really well, right throughout the course of the season, has been finishing games strongly, with a lot of late goals, with players coming off the bench scoring and creating.

“I feel the latter stage of the game tomorrow is going to be key, so we have got to make sure we start the game with real vigour and energy while knowing that we have a bench capable of changing the game against anyone.”

TEAM NEWS

Everyone took a full part in training this week but this game might come too early for Dean Williams as he is eased back from his ankle injury.

• There are currently a handful of Des Kelly Stand tickets remaining for this game, which can be purchased at tickets.bohemians.ie