Bohemians manager Keith Long has seen enough from his team since the start of the second half of the season to believe they can climb up the table.
His side have won a Dublin derby 1-0 and lost a Dublin derby 1-0 since the short mid-season break.
First, they beat Shelbourne at Dalymount Park a fortnight ago but lost to Shamrock Rovers by the same scoreline at Tallaght Stadium last week.
Long said: “Last week we were disappointed not to come away with something from Tallaght.
“Our performance deserved more but a slow start to the second half cost us and we left frustrated having conceded a goal from a set play in what was an otherwise positive team display.
“Derby games are normally won by the odd goal and games are very often defined by small margins. Teams will punish those moments and we must learn from Friday in order to grind out results in tight games.”
Bohemians come into tomorrow’s game against Derry City in a positive mindset, however.
Long said: “The team are very much together, focused on improving and are fighting for one another.
“You have seen evidence of that in our displays since our return from the short break and if we can continue that level of performance, we can climb the table.
“Derry come into tonight after a good win away in UCD last week. They are a quality team with some great players presenting us with so many challenges throughout their team.
“These are challenges that we are looking forward to though and we hope we can continue to improve with a good team display.”
Long is counting on another vocal support, and tribute to the backing his team have had in recent games.
He said: “The support in Dalymount last time out versus Shelbourne was exceptional.
“Down to 10 men for most of the second half, the players really benefited from the support in the Jodi – that helped us win the game.
“It was the same in Tallaght where the fans got right behind the lads and we will need that support again against Derry City.”
That support will be all the more important as Long will have to do without his three new arrivals – Ryan Burke, Josh Kerr and John O’Sullivan – despite the transfer window opening tomorrow.
Long added: “Unfortunately, we are unable to call upon any of our recent signings due to an association rule that only allows players to be registered 24 hours after the transfer window opens.
“It is unfortunate that July 1st lands on a Friday and it is deeply frustrating not to have the lads available for selection despite having all the necessary paperwork ready in advance of the window.”
TEAM NEWS
Ciarán Kelly (suspension) and Tyreke Wilson (bug) return.
James Talbot (shoulder) and Grant Horton (knee) remain out.
New signings Ryan Burke, Josh Kerr and John O’Sullivan are not yet eligible to play.
