Bohs face stern test of nerves

BOHEMIANS do not need reminding of their chagrin in last season’s FAI Cup final as they face into a crucial tie against Shelbourne at Tolka Park, tomorrow (4pm).

A win over Shelbourne would clinch for Bohs their second eircom League Championship in three seasons but defeat would ensure a nervous run-in away to Longford Town and at home to Derry City. Bohs paid the price for overconfidence by losing that Cup final to Dundalk.

The legacy of that shattering defeat was evident last week when Bohs struggled to draw with Drogheda United at Dalymount. There were unmistakable signs of nervousness in Bohs' play as the trauma of seeing their once-secure lead at the head of the table gradually eroded in recent weeks.

And Shelbourne are in just the right mood to add to their unease.

Shelbourne's pragmatic manager Pat Fenlon yesterday played down the possibility of his side snatching the title from Bohs at the death. "We set out this season to qualify for the UEFA Cup" he said, "we'll settle for that."

But you know Fenlon and his jolly band will not be content with runners-up honours. And this is their opportunity to confound all predictions by undermining Bohs' confidence still further.

Bohs' manager Stephen Kenny attempted to deflect some of the pressure that must be building in the dressing-room by pointing out the importance of the follow-up matches against Longford and Bray. But it is inevitable that Bohs will be hoping to foreclose their claims on the trophy at this first attempt.

Unfortunately for manager Kenny, he must plan without the marvellous Glen Crowe and regular partner Paul Keegan. Against Shels' tough defence Bohs would be happier with their first-choice strikeforce.

Shelbourne's failure to beat Longford Town in mid-week was an encouragement to Bohs for they could have gone on to win the title by winning their remaining three matches.

Manager Kenny will regard that draw as evidence of growing pressure within the Shels' camp as well. Fenlon waved aside such conjecture with the comment: "We're still in the running for the title, but anything beyond a UEFA Cup spot will be a bonus. Derry City are already qualified for the UEFA Cup through their victory in the Cup final this season and Shelbourne are not yet guaranteed qualification. They still need two points to be sure but should get them from home matches against Drogheda United and Bray Wanderers.

Meanwhile Waterford can secure the eircom First Division title tonight if they beat second-placed Finn Harps in Ballybofey (Kick off 7:30).

And there is a fierce battle for the remaining play-off places with seven teams fighting for three places.

Waterford manager Jimmy McGeough said: "We have showed we are an excellent team all season. We've trained hard and shown resilience and mental toughness particularly in the second half of the season which will hopefully see us pick up the win we need."

Goalkeeper Wayne Russell is suspended for Saturday's game after being sent off in last week's 2-2 draw with Monaghan United meaning Anthony Fennelly will come in for just his second start of the season. Harps' manager Jonathan Speak admitted: "It will take a minor miracle for Waterford not to win the League but stranger things have happened. "We need the points to guarantee a play-off place because we've then to play Galway and Kildare and I'd like to go into those games with the pressure of a play-off spot off us."

Later today, play-off rivals Galway United and Kildare County go head-to-head at Terryland Park (Kick off 7:30) knowing that a defeat would seriously undermine their promotion hopes. Galway are currently in third spot, while Kildare on two spots below them, but with just a handful of points between them, the result will be vital.

Galway have doubts over captain Mark Herrick, Colin Fortune and Fran Carter, but all three are expected to be fit for the game while Kildare should have Gary Rogers back from suspension.

At Buckley Park, Kilkenny City will hope to pick up just their third League victory of the season as they look to avoid the dubious honour of finishing bottom of the First Division when they face Athlone Town on Saturday (Kick off 7:45). Kilkenny picked up their second three points of the season with a surprise 4-3 victory over Dublin City on Wednesday to cut the gap to second from bottom Athlone to five points and Town manager Jimmy Greene believes they will have the bit between their teeth.

"The win on Wednesday will boost their confidence and they're now five points behind and will be going all out to beat us and catch us," he said.

Cobh Ramblers will put their promotion hopes on the line tomorrow when they travel to Jackman Park to face Limerick (Kick off 3:00). Despite being in the play-off positions all season, manager Dave Hill is taken nothing for granted but is encouraged by having a full strength squad to rely on for the first time this season. "Like all season, we'll be going all out for a victory. We've been in the top three or four all season and we don't want to lose it now. Limerick also have no injury worries and welcome back Stephen O'Flynn from a two-game suspension. At Century Homes Park, Monaghan United will be desperate for the three points against Dundalk to keep their slim promotion hopes alive (Kick off 3:00). Dublin City and Sligo Rovers also do battle tomorrow with both sides knowing a defeat would end their promotion hopes (Kick off 2:00).