SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE
Friday April 4 2022
Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Keith Long believes the hard work his side are putting in on the training ground will translate to better performances and results on the pitch.
One win, four draws and one defeat is not the start of the season Bohemians would have hoped for, and it does not get any easier tonight as league leaders and expected title challengers Derry City provide the opposition at Dalymount Park.
Long has been frustrated that Bohs failed to turn some of those draws into victories, but believes that there is talent and potential in his squad, and that they are working hard to improve.
Long said: “Recent performances have been below the standards we expect from ourselves but it is important to understand at this early stage of the season that it takes time to develop consistency in terms of performance with so many players coming and going from the club.
“Competitive games are the main driver as we look to improve and get better as a team.
“The players are invested in trying to get better and training since our last game has been very competitive and intense.
“We hope that will translate onto the pitch as I believe we are better than recent performances have suggested.
“We have a strong belief in what we are doing and how we operate. We come to work every day with passion, togetherness and with an aptitude and drive to learn and improve.
“We cannot predict everything but we will stick to our principles and work with the players with the understanding of knowing what makes players fulfil their potential.
“Tonight’s game will be a great challenge for us and how we want to play.
“Derry City are a well organised, disciplined team with high quality players in every position and have proved already this season they can win games in different ways.”
TEAM NEWS
Bohemians are without James Finnerty (knee), Jamie Mullins (ankle), Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe (Achilles), Ryan Cassidy (ankle). Stephen Mallon (ankle) is a doubt. Forward Nickson Okosun is promoted to the first team.
