PREVIEW: BOHEMIANS v DERRY CITY (Friday April 5th, KO7.05pm)
Bohemians host No. 2 in the league Derry City just a week after welcoming leaders Sligo Rovers. But they come to Friday’s televised encounter after bouncing back from defeat to Sligo Rovers with a good win over Shelbourne.
Manager Aaron Callaghan was very pleased with the performance against Shels, particularly with the contribution of more experienced players, Derek Pender, Dave Mulcahy and Stephen Paisley, the last-named playing his first full game of the league campaign against his former club.
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“Their experience counted when Shelbourne had us pinned back for 20 minutes in the second half,” said Callaghan.
In his first league start for Bohemians Ciaran Nangle (pictured) did “really well, he brought a bit of balance to the team on the left side, and he showed calmness”, according to the manager.
Victory over Shelbourne moved Bohemians out of a group at the bottom of the table and“it was vital to get those three points”, Callaghan noted.
Derry will present formidable opposition, having scored seven goals in their last three games, while conceding none.
“They will be coming to us full of confidence. They have had a good start to the season. We have to make sure our preparation is right and we have to concentrate on our own performance, and make sure we don’t make those errors that cost us against Sligo”, said Callaghan.
Against Shelbourne, a couple of players who were starting regularly were rested, and one or two of those may come in again against Derry.
Michael Barker has joined the injury list with an ankle injury from training. Owen Heary (knee) and Chris Lyons (ankle) remain out.
Callaghan has sought to keep the whole squad tuned up with friendlies, like a short game played on Wednesday at the IT Blanchardstown complex. He has arranged another friendly against Irish Universities for the 11-day period between Friday’s game and the trip to Limerick on 16th April.
