BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Monday 18 August, 7.45pm
Bohemians’ derby with Shamrock Rovers brings the first clash between Owen Heary and Pat Fenlon as managers. The two fought side-by-side over many years for Bohemians and Shelbourne. Now, they are scrapping for points from each other, writes BRIAN TRENCH.
Heary expects his old boss to bring a winning mentality to his new charges. “Pat is a winner in my eyes. He’ll look to get European football at least and maybe to get his hands on a trophy.
“He’s the best manager around and he will make it a tough test for us.”
Bohemians come to Monday’s game looking for their third successive home win in the league. Friday’s 2-1 victory over Drogheda United was “definitely deserved”, according to Heary.
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The goal-scorers, Karl Moore and Jason Byrne (pictured), had been on the bench more often than starting in recent weeks, and Heary is delighted how they and Dave Mulcahy took their responsibilities when they were called up.
“They’re three experienced players and it was great to see how they stepped up to the plate.”
The EA Sports Cup tie two weeks ago, when Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians 2-0 at Dalymount, has little bearing on Monday’s match, Heary believes.
“It will be a totally different game, with different teams out. We’ll put that earlier result out of our minds. That was a cup game, a one-off, and we’ll concentrate on trying to get the three points.”
Those points would help bring Bohemians towards a finishing position in the top half of the league. “If we win and other results go for us we’re right back in the hunt for a Setanta Cup spot, and that’s the aim for us for the rest of the season,” said Heary.
But Bohemians are struggling with injuries and suspensions, particularly affecting their defence. Anto Murphy (ankle) is likely to be out for 6-7 weeks. Derek Pender was battling flu when he played on Friday and Steven Beattie, who was drafted into the back line on Friday, is suspended following his sending-off. Left-back Jack Memery is ruled out due to exams.
Roberto Lopes is suspended for accumulated yellow cards. However, his midfield partner of recent weeks, Eoin Wearen, returns from his one-match suspension. Dinny Corcoran took a knock against Drogheda United, but should be fit for selection.
Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com