Dublin duo face Europa deficits
Optimism will be in much greater supply at kick-off in Richmond Park where, following their narrow 2-1 away defeat to Karagandy in Kazakhstan, Pat’s know one goal and clean a sheet will be enough to see them through to a third qualifying round meeting with Ukraine’s Karpaty Lviv.
Saints boss Pete Mahon has a full squad to choose from, with Airtricity Player of the Month Danny North making a welcome return from injury to lead the line as the home side seek the goal they need in Inchicore.
Mahon said: “We’re very lucky in that everybody is fully fit, and the whole squad trained on Monday and Tuesday. They were all in good form, they’re raring to go and we can’t wait for this match.
“I’ve seen Karagandy in the flesh over there and we know from what we saw that they’re a very difficult opponent. How tonight goes will depend on our mindset as much as anything else and it has to be the same as it was in the previous tie. Just as it was in the ÍBV game we know what we have to do — we have to win the game and not concede.
“I think it’s fair to say that this European adventure hasn’t been kind to us in terms of opposition. Both sides we’ve been drawn against have been very good and we also know what’s waiting for us should we progress. Our main focus, however, has to be on winning tonight — otherwise everything else will be academic.
“When you take into consideration what we went through getting to Kazakhstan; the tough game, the hostile atmosphere and that, we have to be happy with the result. What we got was better than a 2-0 or even a 1-0 loss and if we can get a similar result as the ÍBV game at home we’ll be going to the Ukraine and that will be a piece of cake in comparison to last week.”
Meanwhile, the consensus view across town in Dalymount Park is that nothing less than a monumental performance by Bohemians is required if they are to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia.
For manager Pat Fenlon the key will be to strike first, though Bohs have already suffered a blow in that department with the unfortunate news that Anto Flood is ruled out having injured his shoulder in a car crash.
Stephen Traynor is also a doubt for the Gypsies after picking up an ankle injury in training yesterday.
“We’ve got to score the first goal and see how they react, do they panic a little bit?” says Fenlon. “It’s about scoring first.’’
The winners will meet Austria Vienna in the next round.
Both of this evening’s Europa League games in Dublin kick off at 7.45pm.
lJohn Arne Riise will make his Fulham debut in tonight’s Europa League second qualifying round second leg against Crusaders. The Cottagers head into the tie against the Northern Ireland part-timers with a 3-1 lead and manager Martin Jol has confirmed the former Liverpool left-back will start after joining from Roma.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
