BOHEMIANS v LONGFORD TOWN
EA Sports Cup, Dalymount Park, Tuesday 7 April, 7.45pm
Manager Keith Long will give fringe players a chance tonight in the first of two home games against Longford Town in four days.
Nine players have been ever-present in the starting line-up for Bohemians’ first six league games of the season, so Long believes the EA Sports can provide a platform for others to prove their worth before the sides meet again in the league on Friday.
“It’s a competition we want to do well in and we’ll be sending out a side we believe can win,” he said
“But we’ve got a good squad of players here and some will feel unlucky not to have featured so far and it’s important they are given that opportunity.
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“The likes of James O’Brien was suspended for the opening game, while people like Conor Murphy haven’t got any game-time at all.
“Dave Mulcahy will return to the squad too for the the first time this season and we would like to feature him at some stage as well.”
Despite a settled team, competition for places remains fierce as evidenced by the fact two substitutes combined for the late winner for 10-man Bohs’ 1-0 win away to Drogheda on Friday that ensured the Gypsies remain fourth in the table.
“It wasn’t a great game but having had Derek Prendergast sent off so early in the game, we showed great character to stay in it for 70 minutes, save a penalty and get the win.
“It shows we have players on the bench who can make an impact. In a game that lacked quality, it was a bit of class at the end from Kealan Dillon and Marc Griffin to come away with a great three points.”
Bohs have no major additional injury concerns tonight, although Anto Murphy and Lorcan Fitzgerald are carrying minor knocks and may be rested. Mulcahy (calf) could feature from the bench, while Dan Byrne (cruciate) is still unavailable.
