O’Neill’s Hoops expect tough test from Students
Rovers retain the whip hand going into tonight’s game at the Belfield Bowl against UCD, their lead at the top having been extended to six points following a comfortable victory over Galway United, while Bohs dropped two points against Sligo.
“We won twice in a week at UCD earlier in the season, in the League and the EA Sports Cup,” said Hoops boss Michael O’Neill, “but, to be honest, they were both very tight games. And I don’t envisage it being any different tonight. We might have our own aims but UCD are fighting for their position in the division and they will be well up for the game.”
In the chase to overhaul their great rivals, Bohemians can hardly afford any slip-up at home to Bray Wanderers.
The champions beat Bray 3-0 in the cup two weeks ago but manager Pat Fenlon is expecting “a much tougher game” tonight.
“We played very well on that night but Bray are scrapping for every point and they have been on a great run,” he said. “We have to win our next three games to stay in the hunt.’’
In tonight’s other Premier Division game, Dundalk host Galway United at Oriel Park.
In the First Division, Cork City boss Tommy Dunne has designated tonight’s game against Shelbourne at Tolka Park as “a real six-pointer”.
City’s recent good run of form has brought them to within three points of Shels and five of a play-off place with five games remaining.
“We have to get a result tonight if we are to have any chance of claiming a play-off spot,” said Dunne. “Tolka Park is a tough place to go at the best of times, but this game has become a real six-pointer. We’ve been very good on the road this season, apart maybe from the defeat in Monaghan, and we will be going there with the intention of winning the game.”
Graham Cummins and Shane Duggan, who both played for Ireland U23s in their away win in Estonia on Tuesday, will be available for selection, but midfielder George O’Callaghan is unlikely to feature after picking up a knee injury in the win over Longford.
O’Callaghan joins long-term injury victims Stephen Mulcahy and Cathal Lordan on the sidelines, while Neal Horgan is again unavailable because of his commitments with St Finbarr’s GAA Club. Gearóid Morrissey is rated doubtful due to flu, but Dunne remains hopeful the midfielder will be available.
In tonight’s other games, leaders Derry City are away to Wexford Youths, second-placed Monaghan are at home to third-placed Waterford United and Finn Harps will host Athlone Town.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
