Now Bohemians eye table-topping Candystripes

HAVING knocked the glide out of Sligo’s stride, Bohemians now turn their attentions to new league leaders Derry City.

The Foylesiders come to Dalymount Park this evening level on points with Shamrock Rovers but with a superior goal difference, and they also have the whip hand in previous outings this season against the Gypsies, having won both games without conceding a goal.

But if Derry are very much the form side in the Airtricity Premier Division, Bohs – ten points adrift but with two games in hand – continue to confound predictions that they would struggle badly this season. After beating Sligo, Pat Fenlon’s men then impressed in holding Everton to a 1-1 draw in a friendly on Monday, a game notable for a superb goal by Anto Flood who returned to fitness after a month out with a shoulder injury. Unfortunately for Bohs, Keith Buckley sustained a broken nose which keeps him out of tonight’s game. Stephen Traynor (ankle) is also unavailable. And Derry boss Stephen Kenny was in the Showgrounds to see Bohs beating Sligo Rovers and expects a tough test.

“They deserved to defeat Sligo on the night despite falling a goal behind,” he says, “so Bohemians will take great confidence from the victory as they prepare to host us. We’ll certainly get it tough, I’ve no doubt about that, but we’ll prepare well as usual and continue to believe in ourselves as we’re on a terrific run and we want to keep that going.”

In tonight’s other Premier Division games, Dundalk host Bray Wanderers at Oriel Park and St Patrick’s Athletic welcome Drogheda United to Richmond Park. All the games in the top-flight kick off at 7.45pm.

Meanwhile, in the First Division, Cork City travel to Fahy’s Field to take on Mervue United, having suffered a home hiccup in a 2-2 draw with Wexford Youths last week.

Says City boss Tommy Dunne: “It is a tough place to go, as was proved earlier in the season when we drew one all up there. But it is important for us to get back to winning ways after drawing last week. At this stage of the season, it’s vital that we look to pick up three points. I can’t stress enough how important the game is; it is probably the most important game of the season to date for us.” Davin O’Neill (Achilles) has only a 50/50 chance of being available, Stephen Mulcahy will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury and GAA commitments again rule out Neal Horgan. Dunne also has doubts about Greg O’Halloran (hamstring), Shane Duggan (calf) and Derek O’Brien (knee).