Bohs and Cork City desperate for a win
The home side are actually still in search of their first goal and currently prop up the table on one point behind Cork’s two. And while it might be way too early in the season to be talking about a six-pointer, this is one we might very well call a three-pointer, with a win sure to provide a major morale boost for the victors.
“We’ve had a run of games against the teams most likely to finish towards the top of the table and we are in a huge transition in the club, on and off the park,” said Bohs boss Aaron Callaghan. “It doesn’t happen overnight.”
However, Callaghan adds he is hoping for a change of fortune in the “league within a league” of teams currently in the lower half, beginning with tonight’s visit of the Leesiders.
Needless to say, Cork City boss Tommy Dunne is hoping the breaks will go the other way.
“Something has to give,” he noted. “Either Bohs will score or we will keep a clean sheet. I watched their game with Shamrock Rovers and I thought they did quite well. They have a young team, but they looked very solid at the back and it took a moment of magic to break the deadlock.
“From our point of view, we need to be positive and also to keep things tight at the back. I am told that the pitch at Dalymount is not in the best condition which will not help the way we want to play, but we will be going there looking to claim the three points.”
Up at the top of the pile, and fresh from their 2-0 victory over Bohs, defending champions Shamrock Rovers face into their third Dublin derby in a row, this time in front of the RTÉ2 cameras against fifth-placed St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.
“Inchicore is a difficult place to go, but we hold no fear of anyone,” said Hoops boss Stephen Kenny. “Pat’s will take the game to us, and I expect them to attack from the off, but we will do likewise. It has all the makings of a very good game.”
And Saints boss Liam Buckley has no doubt this fixture represents his team’s toughest test to date.
“You look at themselves and Sligo, they’ll be the top two to beat this year,” he observed. “If you mix it in with them, you have a chance.”
Sligo, level on points with leaders Rovers, are away to Bray Wanderers this evening while, in the remaining top-flight fixtures, Derry City host UCD, Dundalk are at home to Shelbourne and Monaghan United welcome Drogheda United.
In the First Division, the pick of tonight’s games pits second against first at Jackman Park, as Limerick host surprise leaders Longford Town.
“Longford have started the season very well so we know it’s going to be a really tough game and one we will have to play with a quick tempo,” said Limerick boss Pat Scully.
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