ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC v BOHEMIANS (Monday April 29th, KO 7.45pm)
Bohemians play their rescheduled match against St Patrick’s Athletic boosted by a home win in difficult conditions against Bray Wanderers on Friday.
“We’re going over there more confident as result of that win,” said manager Aaron Callaghan. “But Pat’s are also in better form than when we were due to meet them last month.”
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Callaghan had wanted his players to “put in a shift” and “give the fans something to shout about” on Friday. He changed the system to put more players up front, with three at the back.
“This left us a bit vulnerable at times. We were open to counter-attack and Bray tried to take advantage of that. But the lads did well and I certainly can’t fault them for effort.”
Callaghan was pleased with the performances of Bohs debutant Shane Fitzgerald and of lively winger Andy Mulligan, who made his first league appearance after an intensive campaign of college football.
But the schedule of two games a week is taking its toll on the squad. Callaghan will not have time to prepare fully for the challenge of an away Dublin derby and his selection choices are narrowing.
Several players have picked up injuries and will face late fitness tests. Derek Pender (calf) and Dave Scully (hamstring), who were crucial to Bohs’ efforts on Friday, are among the doubtful starters.
Stephen Paisley (knee), Conor O’Brien (ankle) have joined Owen Heary (knee) on the injury list.
The Bohemian manager expects St Patrick’s Athletic to improve this season on last year’s achievements. “They have a good squad, they’re on a good run and they have shown they can contend for the title,” he said of his former club.
Ex-Pat’s man Dave Mulcahy returned to Friday’s squad after illness and showed all the value of his experience when Bohs had their backs against the wall late in Friday’s game. His strength and guile will be required again on Monday, particularly in the possible absence of Heary, Paisley and Pender.
Eight of the last nine league games between Bohemians and Pats have been drawn or decided by a single goal either way.
