Soccer: Bohemians hope to finish job

Bohemians’ Champions League opponents FC Levadia Maardu continue to stir things up off the field as they await a decision on a second protest to UEFA ahead of tomorrow night’s first qualifying round, second leg tie in Tallinn.

The Estonian champions’ first appeal, following last Wednesday’s 3-0 first leg defeat at Dalymount Park, Dublin, was thrown out by UEFA last Friday.

But, with precious little to lose considering the on-field deficit, Levadia will hope to be given a lifeline at staying in the competition when UEFA hears their case again in Geneva at 9.30am tomorrow.

The Estonian club’s main complaint is that one of the goalposts at Dalymount was two centimetres too low.

But they also moaned about the size of their dressing room and having to walk 100 yards to get into the ground.

A complaint was also made by Levadia about the behaviour of a Bohemians official, which the Dubliners have rubbished.

On the field Bohemians’ manager Pete Mahon is just getting on with working on securing a second round meeting with Swedish champions Halmstad BK.

And Mahon is determined not to allow the off-field shenanigans of Levadia affect his players.

‘‘I haven’t discussed it with my the players as we see it as gamesmanship on their part,’’ said Mahon.

‘‘If anything, their protesting will act as an incentive for us to make sure we bury them tonight.

‘‘My understanding of their appeal is that it’s too late and should have been made before the first game.

‘‘I have every confidence in Phelim O’Reilly, who says it’s not going to cause any problems.’’

Bohemians president O’Reilly is confident that, as with Levadia’s first protest, this one will be dismissed by UEFA as well.

‘‘We feel the appeal has no realistic chance of succeeding,’’ said O’Reilly.

‘‘Nobody has told us what penalties would be imposed, but we are not expecting any.

‘‘On a point of order, any complaints they may have had had to be made in writing before the game and they didn’t do that.

‘‘Their initial objection was thrown out and we’re confident this appeal will be as well.’’

Mahon, meanwhile, expects to name an unchanged side when he announces his team tomorrow morning.

Central defender Shaun Maher, who has had a sore ankle, and right-sided midfielder Paul Byrne (knee) have recovered from their knocks and are fit to play.

‘‘It will be crucial that we don’t give away an early goal,’’ said Mahon. ‘‘We must keep them scoreless for as long as possible.

‘‘We then have a good chance of scoring goals from any position. We are an attack-minded team.

‘‘We are in a great position. Complacency is a fear, but I told the players that if that shows they can take a look at the bench as we have replacements for every position.’’