UCD v BOHEMIANS
Monday March 10, EA Sports Cup, Belfield Bowl, 7.45pm
Owen Heary believes he could make as many as ‘eight or nine change’ for tonight’s rematch against UCD in the EA Sports Cup without it affecting the quality and determination of his team, writes LUKE O’RIORDAN.
When these sides met in the league at the same venue on Friday night, Bohemians hit the woodwork twice in the first half before cruising to an impressive 3-0 victory with goals from Paddy Kavanagh, Dinny Corcoran and Jason Byrne.
Friday’s starting XI had just one change to the side that swept aside Bray Wanderers 5-1 in the Leinster Senior Cup eight days earlier, with a quad injury seeing Andy Mulligan make way for Karl Moore. Mulligan remains unavailable tonight, while Anto Murphy is still struggling with a hamstring injury.
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But Heary has hinted that he could ring the changes and give others a chance to stake their claim ahead of Friday’s home league clash against Drogheda United, saying: “We’ve a talented squad here this season. I could make eight or nine changes and no matter who we bring in, they’ll be good enough and will give it their all for the jersey.”
After such a comprehensive victory against the Students just three days ago, the Gypsies could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas tonight. But Heary doesn’t anticipate any such issue and said: “There won’t be any problem with motivation.
“The lads don’t need me to fire them up for a game like this – it’s a cup game, they all know they have to win it if they want to get closer to winning some silverware.”
The confident attacking style of play and quality of the goals scored on Friday earned his side great plaudits, but Heary is quick to praise the performances further back the pitch.
He said: “The goals were fantastic. Paddy’s was a cracker, Dinny’s was too and Jay’s only on the pitch a few minutes before getting on the scoresheet. But one of the most pleasing aspects for me was the clean sheet. The whole back five were fantastic.
“We were unlucky not to keep a clean sheet against Bray too. But for a penalty, we would have. We have to be strong at the back, so I’m delighted with how they’ve done so far.”
Pic: Jack Memery, Dave Mulcahy and Roberto Lopes keep their eyes on the ball (Eddie Lennon, www.eddielennonsportingimages.com).
