Preview: Bohemians v Sligo Rovers

Dundalk v Bohemians - SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

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.

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