Big kick-off arrives as Bohs face Fingal

IT’S an almost traditional-sounding curtain-raiser to the new season, as champions Bohemians host FAI Cup-winners Sporting Fingal in the Premier Division of the Airtricity League tonight, a match which will screened live on RTÉ2 (7.35pm).

In the absence of Cork City and Derry City, this will be the first of many Dublin derbies in the top flight this season and, adding extra spice to the occasion, it will see former Dalymount favourite and new Fingal striker Glen Crowe getting an early opportunity to stand in the way of Bohs’ first stab at making it three-in-a-row.

“We’re looking forward to the start of the season,” says Bohs manager Pat Fenlon. “We have brought in a few players, but they are all experienced players at this level and shouldn’t take long to gel together. We’re really looking forward to the game. Fingal have a good squad and in fairness to them they always have a go at teams.”

Bohemians will be without defender Ken Oman with a knee injury, while Jason Byrne, substituted in last Saturday’s game against Coleraine, is doubtful for the opening match. Paddy Madden, who has been on the scoresheet in pre-season, looks a likely starter on the day after his 20th birthday.

For a Sporting Fingal side which last year celebrated a memorable double of cup success and promotion, making the trip to Dalymount is an immediate reminder that the challenge will be greater still this season.

“Our aim going into the Premier Division is to consolidate,” says manager Liam Buckley. “Tonight’s game must be kept in context as we finished third in the First Division last season whereas Bohs have been the top side in the Premier for the last two years. In my view, they have by far the strongest squad in the country. Despite losing two of their players to cross-channel clubs, they’ve strengthened with some key signings and will be the team to beat again this year.”

And adds winger Conan Byrne: “We just want to go there and give a good account of ourselves. Last year, we overcame top-flight sides Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers in cup matches but this is a much bigger proposition.”

Fingal’s only absentee will be defender John Frost who is out with a calf-strain. Meanwhile, former Cork City goalkeeper Dan Connor has signed for St Patrick’s Athletic who tonight host Galway United at Richmond Park (7.45pm). Bray Wanderers face Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds (7.45pm) and Drogheda United are at home to UCD at United Park (7.45pm).