EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Second Qualifying Round Second Leg
Thursday July 29 2021
Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV.ie
Keith Long believes Bohemians need to raise the bar once more tonight if they are to get past Dudelange in the Europa Conference League.
Ross Tierney’s 11th-minute goal in Luxembourg last week gives Bohs a slender 1-0 lead going into the return leg at the Aviva Stadium.
Bohs were the better side in the first half on that occasion, particularly in the opening 20 minutes, but Dudelange piled the pressure on in the second half, so Long has an idea of what to expect from them tonight.
But he believes his side have more in the tank too.
He said: “The game is finely poised as we take a slim lead into this tie after a disciplined away performance from the boys.
“We started the game brightly in Luxembourg and went ahead through a Ross Tierney goal after a brilliantly-executed pass from Dawson Devoy to pick out a clever run from wide by Ali Coote.
“Ross was on hand to fire home after the ball spilled loose from their goalkeeper.
“Not for the first time this year, Ross was alert to give us the lead. He is thriving on the responsibility of contributing goals and assists but also benefiting from the foil that is Georgie Kelly whom again I felt provided us with a platform up front.
“It was a disciplined team display but we feel we can play better than we did on the night.
“That’s not to take anything away from the players – results in Europe are hard to come by, especially away from home so we can be nothing but pleased with the result.
“I feel, however, that we will need to raise the bar again with performance to progress as Dudelange will absolutely embrace coming to Dublin and will feel they have more than a fighting chance.
“They are a good team with some good technical players and plenty or European experience, so we will be taking nothing for granted and understand the size of the task we face tonight.”
The 6000 in attendance roared Bohs to a 3-0 victory against Icelandic side Stjarnan at the Aviva a fortnight ago as club members, season ticket holders and the wider fanbase were united under the one roof for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.
Long and Co are counting on supporters to raise the roof once more tonight.
He added: “It is absolutely fantastic to see we have sold out the 8,000 capacity and we are looking forward to the colour and atmosphere which was generated two weeks again.
“The supporters deserve nights like this and we as a group want to play in important games.
“That support is crucial tonight and will be vital if we are going to progress. The togetherness of this club is really something we can cherish and be proud of.
“The players will never underestimate what this club means to all Bohemians supporters and they will fight every minute as they represent you on the pitch.”
TEAM NEWS
Stephen Mallon (hip) and Promise Omochere (quad) are doubts.
