LIMERICK v BOHEMIANS
FAI Ford Cup, Thomond Park, Saturday June 7, 5.30pm
Bohemians expect a “battle” when they go to Limerick on Saturday. But Owen Heary’s side will bring into that battle cup form which is better than league form, and away form which is better than home form.
Bohemians have won three EA Sports Cup matches to reach the semi-finals of that competition. This is more than their two wins in the league, where they have picked up nine of their 13 points on the road.
“Our cup form is good but Limerick will give us a battle, a physical battle. It’s going to be a difficult game. Look at what they have done in their last two league games,” said Heary.
The Bohemian manager says his players have worked harder in training this week than any time over many months.
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“You can see how it is hurting them that we are not getting results. I can understand as well fans’ frustration, but they need to keep believing and getting behind the team. I have no doubt that things will turn for us.”
The Bohemian manager concedes his team were outplayed against Dundalk last Friday. This was no near-draw or near-win but the squad have picked themselves up from that defeat, he said.
“We didn’t have the intensity we need. We didn’t do enough to take something from the game. We had a game plan going out and we didn’t stick to it. After that early goal the game plan changed because we were chasing the game,” said Heary.
“This week’s preparations have been better because we had longer time. I have no doubt that the intensity will be there for the Limerick game. This and the Bray game before the break next week are two big cup games in my opinion. We have to go into every game as if it was a cup final.”
Making his side difficult to defeat was one of his targets and he takes some comfort from having let in less than half the number of goals conceded by three other sides around them in the league table. “That’s part of what we need to continue doing, but we need to dominate games and take our chances,” he insisted.
Bohemians’ two most senior players Dave Mulcahy (hamstring) and Jason Byrne (back strain) face late fitness tests. But Eoin Wearen (groin) has returned to training, meaning there is adequate cover at the back and Steven Beattie can again be played in attack.
Heary has identified some strikers as possible recruitment targets in the transfer window. “With our budget, they’re going to be young lads, not fellas looking for this and that, but with hunger.”
